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 enantioselectively obtained.