The pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine class of compounds has been identified as a privileged structure for library synthesis on the basis of several key characteristics of the core molecule. A chemical set in excess of 400 compounds was synthesized to give 3,6,7-substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidinecarboxamides 9. To facilitate the rapid preparation of this library, a preparative strategy included the synthesis of activated p-nitrophenyl esters, followed by subsequent scavenging of the p-nitrophenol leaving group. Excess reagents were also removed using scavenging reagents that were found to be compatible with the synthetic methodology and that afforded target compounds in acceptable purity and yields.