Synthesis of thieno[2,3-e]-1,2,4-triazines

3-Methylmercapto-5-oxo-6-vinyl- and 2-methyl-3-mercapto-5-oxo-6-vinyl-2,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazines were readily converted into the corresponding thieno2,3-e]-1,2,4-triazine in one step by the action of phosphorus pentasulfide in pyridine. 4-Methyl-3-mercapto-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazine is only converted into the 5-thioxo analog and no thiophene ring product was obtained under the same conditions. Thieno2,3-e]-1,2,4-triazines were also more efficiently obtained by the action of phosphorus petnasulfide in pyridine on the appropriate 6-acylmethyl-3-mercapto-5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazine.