Sequential, electrochemical‐photochemical synthesis of 1,2,4‐triazolo‐[4,3‐a]pyrazine

1,2,4‐triazolo‐[4,3‐a]pyrazine was prepared via a two‐step electrochemical, photochemical process. First, a 5‐substituted tetrazole is electrochemically coupled to 2,6‐dimethoxypyrazine to yield 1,5‐ and 2,5‐ disubstituted tetrazoles. Subsequent photochemical excitation of the 2,5‐disubstituted tetrazole species using an ultraviolet lamp releases nitrogen gas and produces a short‐lived nitrilimine intermediate. Rapid cyclization of the nitrilimine intermediate yields a 1,2,4‐triazolo‐[4,3‐a]pyrazine backbone. The scope of this reaction was explored using various tetrazoles and pyrazines. Materials produced were identified using chemical analytical techniques and computationally studied for potential application as an insensitive energetic material.