Pyrazolones as versatile precursors for the synthesis of fused and binary heterocycles

The reaction of pyrazolone bearing a beta -ketoester moiety with aliphatic dibasic functional reagents in ethanol afforded the binary ring heterocycles 2, 6, and 10. Whereas, when using an excess of the dibasic reagent, the dipyrazolo [3,4-c: 3 ' ,4 ' -f] [1,2]diazepine derivative 5 was, obtained. On the other hand, when compound 1 reacted with hydrazine hydrate in acetic acid, it furnished the pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivative 7 in which the hydrazine hydrate acts as a monofunctional reagent. Also, the reaction of 1 with m-anisidine according to Knorr synthesis gave the alpha,beta -unsaturated ketone derivative 9 in lieu of the anticipated quinolone derivative 8. Furthermore, treatment of compound 1 with aromatic dibasic functional reagents afforded 11 and 13. Eventually, compound 11 was annelated through its reaction with ammonium carbonate to give pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrido[6,5-b]benzodiazepin 12.