A synthesis of 6-functionalized 4,7-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines

6-Unsubstituted 7-R-4,7-dihydro-1,2,4-triazolo1,5-a]pyrimidines (R = H or Me) were synthesized via two pathways: (a) deacylation of the corresponding 5-acetyl Biginelli-like precursors in KOH/H₂O and (b) reduction of the corresponding 1,2,4-triazolo1,5-a]pyrimidines using LiAlH₄. The products could be easily formylated at position 6, which is promising for the further synthesis of functionalized 6-substituted derivatives of 4,7-dihydro-1,2,4-triazolo1,5-a]pyrimidines. In contrast, 6-acetyl-7-(4-(N,N-dimethylaminophenyl))-5-methyl-4,7-dihydro-1,2,4-triazolo1,5-a]pyrimidine undergoes a cascade process in KOH/H₂O, leading to the formation of a 4,5,8,9-tetrahydro1,2,4]triazolo5,1-b]quinazoline derivative.