Reaction of 2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole with primary amines. Synthesis of 4-substituted-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles

Reaction of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole ( 1a ) with primary amines under a variety of conditions conveniently produced 4-substituted-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1.2,4-triazoles 4a in 26-85% yield. Alkyl amines reacted with 1a in methanol at ?42° to provide hydrogen-bonded monoadduct-methanol complexes 5a , as determined by X-ray. The reaction of 1a with sterically hindered or strongly electron deficient anilines required high temperatures in the absence of solvent.