Various gamma -keto esters were prepared by either the alcoholysis of N-(4-
oxoalkcanoyl)pyrazoles or the Grignard replacement of pyrazole moiety of 4-
(N-pyrazolyl)-4-oxoalkanoic esters. By using 3-phenyl-l-menthopyrazole as a
chiral auxiliary, beta -substituted gamma -keto esters were enantioselecti
vely obtained.