The [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivative 3-(4-(benzyloxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine was prepared in a 73% isolated yield by means of an oxidative ring closure of a hydrazine intermediate. Sodium hypochlorite was used as the oxidant and ethanol as a solvent, making the process a clean, green approach. The reaction was performed at room temperature for 3 h, and then the heterocycle was isolated in an analytically pure form by extraction, followed by passing the crude product mixture through a small plug of alumina.
