Unprecedented conversion of (Z)-3-chloro-3-arylacrylic acids to benzoic acids: synthesis of s-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles

An unprecedented method for the conversion of (Z)-3-chloro-3-arylacrylic acids to corresponding benzoic acids by stirring in POCl3 at 80 °C is reported. The benzoic acids formed in situ undergo condensation with 4-amino-5-aryl-3-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles to yield s-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles in high yields.