Reduction of Imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and [1,2,3]Triazolo[4,5-c]pyridine Derivatives to Spinaceamines and 2-Azaspinaceamines

Reduction of 1-substituted [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-c]pyridines with nickel-aluminum alloy in aqueous alkali gave 2-azaspinaceamines. Reduction of imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine and [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-c]pyridine derivatives with formic acid in the presence of triethylamine resulted in formation of 5-formylspinaceamines and 2-azaspinaceamines. The 5-formyl group in the latter can be removed by acid hydrolysis. Unsubstituted 2-azaspinaceamine, an aza analog of natural spinaceamine, was synthesized for the first time.