Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Pyrazoles through Different Cyclization Strategies; Isosteres of Imidazole Fungicides

Formerly unknown 3-chloro-4,5-diaryl-1-methylpyrazoles have been prepared through two different synthesis pathways, one of which starts from 2,3-diarylacrylonitriles, the second from 3,3-dichloro-1,2-diarylpropenones. Both approaches rely on the cyclocondensation of diarylated three-carbon synthons with hydrazine derivatives and possess some unique features. One route uses a cyclization reaction, during which a chlorine atom is directly installed at the pyrazole ring that normally would be introduced in subsequent halogenation steps. The second pathway applies the Sandmeyer reaction to introduce this chloro substituent; an approach that is rarely described at the pyrazole nucleus. The obtained tetrasubstituted pyrazoles are isosteres of highly active imidazole fungicides and show good control of Uncinula necator (grape powdery mildew).