Abstract Thermolysis of 4, 5-dinitroveratrole 1a in the presence of sodium azide and dimethylsulfoxide gives the new 5, 6-dimethoxybenzofuroxan, 2a, whereas 3, 4, 5- trinitroveratrole led to the new 5 (7), 6-dimethoxy-4-nitrobenzofuroxans 2e, 3e via a nucleophilic substitution of a nitro group by azide ion and pyrolytic ring closure. This method provides a simpler route to the known 1, 3-benzodioxano [5, 6-c] furoxan, 2b and 1, 4- ...