Synthesis of important β-functionalized 5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ol derivatives in the presence of γ-alumina catalyst in aqueous medium

The γ-alumina catalyzed synthesis of a new series of β-functionalized 5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ol derivatives by the multi-component reaction of an aldehyde, ethylcyano acetate, and in situ generated 3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one obtained from hydrazine monohyrade and ethyl acetoacetate in aqueous medium is described. The present reaction forms an important variant of the Yonemitsu-type multi-component reaction. The salient features of this present environmentally benign method are: recyclability of the catalysts, mild reaction condition, excellent yields of product, and the use of aqueous medium in the reaction.