A Novel Iron-catalyzed One-pot Synthesis of 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazoles

A novel one-pot synthesis of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole developed via iron (III) catalyzed route is reported. The new method is more efficient, simple, and convenient and presents a concise new strategy for the synthesis of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole derivatives. The iron (III) complex intermediate assisted in the intramolecular bond cyclization owing to its Lewis acidity or oxidizing properties. A series of aromatic nitriles bearing different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups substituted at para and/or ortho positions were also investigated. The position of the substituents affected the yield of the final compound, with the para-substituted substrates giving relatively higher yields.