Synthesis of amino-1,2,4-triazoles by reductive ANRORC rearrangements of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles.

The reaction of various 1,2,4-oxadiazoles with an excess of hydrazine in DMF has been investigated. 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazoles are produced through a reductive ANRORC pathway consisting of the addition of hydrazine to the 1,2,4-oxadiazole followed by ring-opening, ring-closure, and final reduction of the 3-hydroxylamino-1,2,4-triazole intermediate. The general applicability of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles ANRORC reactivity is demonstrated also in the absence of C(5)-linked electron-withdrawing groups.