A solution of structural ambiguity: s-Triazolo[1,5-a] – and s-triazolo[4.3-a] pyrimidines

The condensation of 3-amino-5-benzylthio-s-triazole ( 2 ) with acetylacetone in refluxing acetic acid has been reported to have given 3-benzylthio-5,7-dimethyl-s-triazolo4,3-a]pyrimidine ( 3 ). However, it has now been established, with the aid of ¹³C spectra and a modification of the original synthetic work, that only 2-benzylthio-5,7-dimethyl-s-triazolo1,5-a]pyrimidine ( 4 ) can be obtained by this method of condensation. The erroneously reported, but previously unknown 6 was synthesized and its structure and that of 4 was firmly established by ir, uv, pmr,¹³ C nmr, tlc and mixed melting point data. The correct structures of 3-mercapto-5,7-dimethyl-s-triazolo-4,3-a]pyrimidine ( 5 ) and 2-mercapto-5,7-dimethyl-s-triazolo1,5-a]pyrimidine ( 6 ) were also established and the facile rearrangement of 5 to 6 was demonstrated.