Process for the preparation of triazoles

A process for preparation of one or more compounds of formula 1

• wherein
• R2 is an alkyl, aromatic, or heterocyclic group,
• R3 is phenyl substituted at 2- and 6-positions with substituents independently selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, nitro, nitrile, and halogen,
• by conversion of one or more compounds of formula 4
• in which R2 and R3 have the above mentioned meanings,
• into one or more compounds of formula 1,
• wherein the conversion is effected in the presence of an activating agent, and
• wherein the activating agent is selected from the group consisting of NaOH, HCl, Cu(OAc)2, and MeSO3H.