<p>Heterocyclic compounds are very important in medicinal and industrial chemistry. One of the most significant heterocycles in this field is pyrazolone, which exhibits a wide range of medical applications, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects as well as industrial applications, especially for the synthesis of dyes for dyeing polyester fabrics. This review emphasizes recent advances in the new synthesis of pyrazolone derivatives using both conventional and green methods and demonstrates some of the chemical reactions related to pyrazolones. Additionally, we explore some medical and industrial applications of pyrazolones. This evaluation identifies the period from 2022 to 2025 as a pivotal era for pyrazolone research, connecting traditional synthetic techniques with modern sustainable approaches. We present an innovative strategy that links chemical techniques to therapeutic efficacy by evaluating the shift from high-waste traditional methods to energy-efficient green protocols.</p> Graphical abstract