Enantioselective synthesis of functionalized pyrazoles by NHC-catalyzed reaction of pyrazolones with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.

The N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-organocatalyzed enantioselective annulation reaction of pyrazolones with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes proceeding via the chiral α,β-unsaturated acyl azolium intermediates under oxidative conditions is presented. The reaction afforded dihydropyranone-fused pyrazoles in moderate to good yields and good er values under operationally simple and base-free conditions.