Synthesis of 5-substituted 3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles via Suzuki–Miyaura reaction

3-Bromo- and 3-iodo-N,S-dibenzyl-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles were prepared and demonstrated as versatile building blocks for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling with aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl boronic acid derivatives. Deprotection of the resulting coupling products provided 5-substituted-3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles in good overall yields. This represents a novel and convenient approach for the introduction of a 3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole substructure into target compounds.