Esters of phosphorus oxy-acids as alkylating agents. Part II. N-Alkylation of imidazole and related heterocyclic compounds with trialkyl phosphates

Abstract

A new method for N-alkylation of imidazole, benzimidazole, pyrazole, 1,2,4-triazole, and benzotriazole using trimethyl, triethyl, and tri-n-butyl phosphates as alkylating agents is described. All these heterocycles are easily converted into the corresponding N-alkyl derivatives in 45–90% yields. Predominant alkylation at N-1 was observed in both triazoles.