A new route to substituted phenols has been developed by cationic rhodium(I)/BINAP complex-catalyzed decarboxylative [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddns. of 1,6- and 1,7-diynes with com. available vinylene carbonate. Various phenols, indanols, e.g., I (R = Ac, CO2Et), (tetrahydro)naphthalenols, isobenzofuranols, and isoindoles have been prepd. by this method. [on SciFinder(R)]