Processes for preparing substituted 3-aryl-5-haloalkyl-pyrazoles and, specifically, for preparing C.sub.1-5 alkyl esters of 5-�1-(C.sub.1-5 alkyl)-4-halo-5-(C.sub.1-3 haloalkyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-yl!-2,4-dihalo-benzoic acids such as isopropyl 5-�4-bromo-1-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-yl!-2-chloro-4-fluorobenzoate, are presented. The described processes include novel approaches for forming phenyldiketones, forming and alkylating pyrazoles, brominating heterocyclic compounds, oxidizing alkyl-substituted benzene compounds, and esterifying carboxylic acids. These processes may be combined to prepare 3-aryl-5-haloalkyl pyrazoles, or alternatively, used in subcombinations or individually to prepare intermediates or other useful compounds.