This invention describes novel pyrazole compounds of formula IV: ##STR1##

wherein Ring D is a 5-7 membered monocyclic ring or 8-10 membered bicyclic ring selected from aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl or carbocyclyl; R^x and R^y are independently selected from T-R³, or taken together with their intervening atoms to form a fused, unsaturated or partially unsaturated, 5-8 membered ring having 1-3 ring heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; and R², R², T, and R³ are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful as protein kinase inhibitors, especially as inhibitors of aurora-2 and GSK-3, for treating diseases such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.