Synthesis of Pyrazoles from 1-Acylmethylene-3,3-dimethyl-1,3-dihydroisobenzofurans

Summary.  1-Acylmethylene-3,3-dimethyl-1,3-dihydroisobenzofurans were found to be useful precursors for pyrazole synthesis. In the reaction with hydrazine monohydrate they yielded 3-(2-(α-hydroxyisopropyl)-phenyl) substituted NH-pyrazoles, whereas using alkyl- or arylhydrazine gave access to 5-(2-(α-hydroxyisopropyl)-phenyl) substituted NR-pyrazoles with good regioselectivity. Treatment with orthophosphoric acid led to C,N-fused and C,C-fused pyrazoles, respectively. Received November 4, 1999. Accepted (revised) December 3, 1999