Synthesis of substituted 6-imino-2-piperidinones, e.g., I (R1 = Cy, i-Pr, p-Tol; R2 = Cy, n-Bu, Me3Si), has been achieved by cationic rhodium(I)/dppp complex-catalyzed [4+2] annulations of various 4-alkynals with carbodiimides at room temp. The reactions of benzene-linked 4-alkynals (2-alkynylbenzaldehydes) and carbodiimides also proceeded at room temp., affording the corresponding 6-imino-2-piperidinones. [on SciFinder(R)]