Solvent-dependent copper-catalyzed synthesis of pyrazoles under aerobic conditions

We present a copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of beta, gamma-unsaturated hydrazones, utilizing molecular oxygen as a stoichiometric oxidant. The methodology provides distinct classes of pyrazoles simply by changing the reaction solvent. Tris-substituted pyrazoles, having a ketone functionality at the C-5 position, were obtained as the major product in ethanol, while di-substituted pyrazoles were predominantly formed in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol.