1.2.4.5- Tetrazines, 3-amino-, formation from

Hydrazine hydrate is known to react with acetonitrile in the presence of sulfur or ethanol to form 4-amino-3,5-dimethyl-l,2,4-triazole or 3,6-disubstitued-l,2-dihydro-l,2,4,5-tetrazines. The initial product, which is disubstituted l,2-dihydro-l,2,4,5-tetrazine, is readily oxidized to the pink colored 1,2,4,5-tetrazine it may also rearrange at elevated temperature or on treatment with an acid to the corresponding 1,2,4-triazole. The triazole compound is obtained by the reaction of hydrazine hydrate and acetonitrile in the presence of CO2. The presence of CO2 in the formation of the six-membered ring intermediate is essential, and has been confirmed by repeating the experiments in the absence of CO2. However, the exact role of CO2 in this reaction is not clear. Figure 6.1 gives a possible mechanism for the formation of the triazole from hydrazinium hydrazine carboxylate and acetonitrile. 

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