Synthesis of 1,4-dihydroimidazo[5,1-]-1,2,4-triazin-4-ones and imidazo[5,1-]-1,2,4-triazoles

Azo compounds obtained by the coupling of 5-diazoimidazoles with diethyl esters of nitro-, chloro-, bromo-, and acetylaminomalonic acids under conditions of base catalysis are cyclized to give 1,4-dihydroimidazo[5,1-c]-1,2,4-triazin-4-ones or imidazo[5,1-c]-1,2,4-triazoles. The chloro, bromo, and nitro groups in the bicyclic products are readily replaced by action of nucleophiles. The imidazotriazinones are converted to chloroimidazotriazines by reaction with thionyl chloride or phosphorus oxychloride