A review. The transition-metal-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddn. of alkynes is a useful and atom-economical method for the synthesis of substituted benzenes. This comprehensive review covered the [2+2+2] cycloaddn. reactions catalyzed by rhodium complexes. Applications of the rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddn. in the synthesis of functional org. compds. were also described. [on SciFinder(R)]