Intermediates for the preparation of pyrazoloazole photographic couplers, processes of making and adjusting them

There are described intermediates for the preparation of known pyrazoloazole photographic magenta dye forming couplers and processes for making and using these intermediates. The intermediates are low molecular weight compounds represented by the structure: wherein: R, X, R1 and Y are defined herein. The process for making these intermediates involves diazotizing a 5-amino-1H-pyrazole to produce a 5-diazo-1H-pyrazole, then condensing the diazotized product with an active methine or methylene compound having a pKa of 14 or less to produce a substituted hydrazone and then subjecting the hydrazone to cyclization and reduction, in either order.