The N-vinyl group as a protection group of the preparation of 3(5)-substituted pyrazoles via bromine-lithium exchange

Treatment of 3,4,5-tribromopyrazole with 1,2-dibromoethane and triethylamine gave 3,4,5-tribromo-1-vinylpyrazole, which underwent regioselective bromine–lithium exchange at the 5-position. Subsequent addition of an electrophile gave 5-substituted 3,4-dibromo-1-vinylpyrazoles. These underwent bromine–lithium or bromine–magnesium exchange predominantly at the 4-position, with the regioselectivity between the 3- and 4-positions being influenced by the nature of the metal and the 5-substituent.

The 5-substituted products were de-vinylated by mild treatment with KMnO4 affording 3-substituted pyrazoles. Alternatively, the 1-vinyl group could be used in ring-closing metathesis. Thus, 5-allylthio-1-vinylpyrazole produced 5H-pyrazolo[5,1-b][1,3]thiazine upon treatment with Grubbs' second-generation catalyst.