A regioselective route to 5-substituted pyrazole- and pyrazoline-3-phosphonic acids and esters

The regioselective synthesis of 5-substituted-3-dimethoxyphosphono-pyrazoles and -2-pyrazolines has been accomplished through the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a suitable nitrile imine to monosubstituted alkynes and alkenes. Examples of hydrolysis of the heterocyclic phosphonic esters to the corresponding acids are described.