4-(Benmtriazol-l-ylmethyl)-N, N-dimethylaniline (lb) can be substituted at the CH2 link via lithiation. Both the parent and substituted derivatives react with a variety of electron-rich benzenoid and heteroaromatic compounds in a novel approach to leuco dyes. Other 4- (benzotriazol-l-ylmethyl) anilines react similarly.