An investigation into the alkylation of 1,2,4-triazole

The alkylation of 1,2,4-triazole with 4-nitrobenzyl halides and a variety of bases afforded the 1- and 4-alkylated isomers with a consistent regioselectivity of 90:10. Previously reported regiospecific alkylations of 1,2,4-triazole were re-examined and the quoted isomer ratios were shown to depend on the isolation procedure. The use of DBU as base in the alkylation of 1,2,4-triazole allows for a convenient and high yielding synthesis of 1-substituted-1,2,4-triazoles.