N-Arylation of azoles with low basicity by 1,4-dimethoxybenzene during undivided electrolysis

The reactions of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene with 4-nitropyrazole, 3,4-dinitro-5-methylpyrazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole, and tetrazole were studied during undivided amperostatic electrolysis on a Pt electrode in MeCN, CH₂Cl₂, and MeOH. The main reaction products were 2-azolyl-1,4-dimethoxybenzenes and (or) 1,4-diazolyl-1,4-dimethoxycyclohexa-2,5-dienes. In all cases except 1,2,4-triazole, N-arylation occurs only in the presence of the Alk₄N⁺ salts of azoles or 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine as a base. The mechanism of the reactions is discussed.