Alkylation of 4(5)-nitro-1,2,3-triazole with alcohols in strongly acidic media

Alkylation of 4(5)-nitro-1,2,3-triazole with alcohols in concentrated H₂SO₄ occurs at all three endocyclic N atoms, giving a mixture of isomeric N(1)-, N(2)-, and N(3)-alkyl-4-nitro-1,2,3-triazoles (alkyl is isopropyl, sec-butyl, and cyclohexyl). The selectivity of the alkylation depends on the alcohol used. The most selective alkylation is provided at the N(2) atom when isopropyl (81%) and sec-butyl alcohols are used (67%). With an increase in the reaction time, also in the order isopropyl-, sec-butyl-, and cyclohexyl-4-nitro-1,2,3-triazoles, the N(2)-isomers undergo isomerization into N(1)-alkyl-4-nitro-1,2,3-triazoles. In all the cases, the fraction of the N(3)-substitution products in the mixtures is 6–30%.