Process for the preparation of 3-haloalkylpyrazoles

1. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I:

wherein R 1 is C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl;

R 2 is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and

R 3 is methyl or ethyl;

comprising

b1. reacting a compound of formula II:

wherein R 1 and R 2 are as defined for the compound of formula I; with an alkylating agent to produce a mixture comprising a compound of formula I and a compound of formula IV

wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined for the compound of formula I; and

b2. reacting the mixture from b1. with an alkylating agent in the presence of an amide.

2. A process according to claim 1 , wherein

R 1 is difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl;

R 2 is C 1 -C 6 alkyl; and

R 3 is methyl.