Selective (15)N-labeling and analysis of (13)C-(15)N J couplings as an effective tool for studying the structure and azide-tetrazole equilibrium in a series of tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazines and tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines.

Two general methods for the selective incorporation of an (15)N-label in the azole ring of tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazines and tetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were developed. The first approach included treatment of azinylhydrazides with (15)N-labeled nitrous acid, and the second approach was based on fusion of the azine ring to [2-(15)N]-5-aminotetrazole. The synthesized compounds were studied by (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N NMR spectroscopy in both DMSO and TFA solution, in which the azide-tetrazole equilibrium is shifted to tetrazole and azide forms, respectively. Incorporation of the (15)N-label led to the appearance of (13)C-(15)N J coupling constants (J(CN)), which can be measured easily using either 1D (13)C spectra with selective (15)N decoupling or with amplitude modulated 1D (13)C spin-echo experiments with selective inversion of the (15)N nuclei. The observed J(CN) patterns permit unambiguous determination of the type of fusion between the azole and azine rings in tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine derivatives. Joint analysis of J(CN) patterns and (15)N chemical shifts was found to be the most efficient way to study the azido-tetrazole equilibrium.