Sequential Functionalization of Pyrazole 1-Oxides via Regioselective Metalation:  Synthesis of 3,4,5-Trisubstituted 1-Hydroxypyrazoles

A range of 3,5-diarylated and 3,4,5-triarylated 2-(4-methoxybenzyl)pyrazole 1-oxides have been prepared by regioselective deprotonation at C-5 or bromine−magnesium exchange at C-3 or C-4 followed by transmetalation with ZnCl2 and palladium(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling. Furthermore, the metalated pyrazole 1-oxides could be trapped with electrophiles. The sequential metalation/functionalization of the pyrazole 1-oxides may follow the order C-5, C-3, C-4, or alternatively the order C-3, C-5, C-4. The 4-methoxybenzyl group of the functionalized 2-(4-methoxybenzyl)pyrazole 1-oxides could be removed by treatment with TFA and i-Pr3SiH in CH2Cl2, providing the corresponding functionalized 1-hydroxypyrazoles.