Base mediated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of α-substituted vinyl phosphonates with diazo compounds for synthesis of 3-pyrazolylphosphonates and 5-pyrazolcarboxylates.

5-Aryl-substituted pyrazol-3-ylphosphonates have been conveniently synthesized by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 1-formamidovinylphosphonates and aryldiazomethanes under KCO/MeOH conditions at room temperature. These pyrazoles are formed in one pot via spontaneous elimination of formamide. Basic conditions prevent competitive formation of cyclopropylphosphonates. 3-Aryl substituted pyrazol-5-carboxylates can be synthesized by the same methodology from 1-arylvinylphosphonates and ethyl diazoacetate, although a stronger base NaH is necessary to ensure the success of the aromatization stage with the elimination of the diethoxylphosphoryl moiety.