A novel one-pot, three-component reaction for the synthesis of isocoumarin-condensed pyrazoles

The one-pot, three-component reaction of substituted homophthalic anhydrides with hydrazine in DMF as solvent and reactant, at reflux temperature, afforded isochromeno[3,4-c]pyrazole-5(2H)-one derivatives in high yields. The mechanism and roles of the substrates were investigated and it was found that cyclic hydrazides were formed as intermediates.