Thermolysis of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine n-ylides

5,7-Dimethyl[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidinio-3-phenacylide ($\text{3}$) generated by the reaction of an iminium salt ($\text{2}$) with 1 eq. of triethylamine, underwent a new thermal ring cleavage of the triazole moiety to give the pyrimidine derivative. However reaction of $\text{2}$ with 2 eq. of triethylamine afforded the 2-iminooxazoline derivative. The iminooxazoline reacted with nucleophiles such as alcohols or amines to give imidazoles.