The utilization of an ionic liquid, [bmim][BF4] as both reaction medium and promoter for a multi-component reaction of aldehyde (1) and 5-amino-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazole (2) with Meldrum acid (3) or dimedone (5) is studied. From this reaction, pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridinone (4) and pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolinone (6) derivatives were prepared in high yields. This novel procedure showed such advantages as environmentally benign nature, enhanced efficiency, simple operation process, and mild reaction conditions. As an application, the procedure was successfully used in the preparation of a set of pyrimidine nucleoside-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine and pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolinone hybrids with potential biological activities.