Synthesis of 5-azido-3-nitro-1 H -1,2,4-triazole by using a cyanoethyl activating group

A new method is proposed for the preparation of 5-azido-3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole, based on cyanoethylation of 5-bromo-3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole, nucleophilic substitution of bromide with azide ion, and removal of cyanoethyl protecting group.