cobalt(I)-mediated cyclotrimerization and a [4+2] reaction is described as a new entry into the ABC core of taxanes. The [4+2]/[2+2+2] and the [2+2+2]/[4+2] pathways both lead to the expected ABC core of the title compound. Mechanistic proposals are described to understand the formation of the side products during the [2+2+2] cycloaddition and to apply useful modifications of the highly substituted unsaturated