The present invention relates to a process for preparing a pyrazole compound of formula V, which comprises cyclizing a hydrazone substituted [alpha],[beta]-unsaturated carbonyl compound of formula IV by reacting it with a suitable reagent, e.g. a reducing agent, an organometallic reagent or a nucleophilic reagent. The compounds of formula V are versatile reaction tools for the preparation of pyrazole derived fine chemicals. The present invention also relates to pyrazole compounds of formulae Va, Vb, Vc, and VI.