Reductions of (1R,3R,4R)-3-([1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-x]azin-3-yl)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ones and their analogues

Reductions of (1R,3R,4R)-3-([1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-x]azin-3-yl)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ones and their lactone analogues, prepared from (1R)-(+)-camphor, were studied. Catalytic hydrogenation selectively led to partial saturation of the [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-x]azine residue, while in reactions with borane-methylsulfide coordination of borane to the 1-position of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-x]azine system took place. On the other hand, activation of the carbonyl group in (1R,3R,4R)-3-([1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-x]azin-3-yl)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ones with boron trifluoride etherate followed by reaction with borane-methylsulfide furnished the corresponding isoborneols, stereoselectively. The structures of all representative compounds were confirmed by X-ray diffraction.