This invention describes novel pyrazole compounds of formula IV: ##STR00001## wherein Ring D is a 5-7 membered monocyclic ring or 8-10 membered bicyclic ring selected from aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl or carbocyclyl; R.sup.x and R.sup.y are independently selected from T--R.sup.3, 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 R.sup.2, R.sup.2', T, and R.sup.3 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.