Both flash vacuum thermolysis (FVT) and matrix photolysis generate 2-diazomethylpyrazine (22) from 1,2,3-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine (24). FVT of 4-azidopyridine (18) as well as of 24 or 2-(5-tetrazolyl)pyrazine (23) affords the products expected from the nitrene, i.e., 4,4'-azopyridine and 2- and 3-cyanopyrroles. Matrix photolyses of both 18 and 24 result in ring expansion of 4-pyridylnitrene/2-pyrazinylcarbene to 1,5-diazacyclohepta-1,2,4,6-tetraene (20). Further photolysis causes ring opening to the ketenimine 27.
Keywords: carbene–nitrene interconversion; diazepines; flash vacuum thermolysis; matrix photochemistry; nitrile ylides; reactive intermediates.