The present invention provides novel methods of preparing triazole compounds which inhibit the activity of Hsp90. One embodiment of the invention is directed to methods for preparing a triazole compound represented by the following Structural Formula:or a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or clathrate, or a prodrug thereof, comprising the steps of: a) reacting an amide represented by the following Structural Formula:with a thionation reagent to form a thioamide; b) reacting the thioamide of step a) with hydrazine to form a hydrazonamide; c) reacting the hydrazonamide of step b) with a carbonylation or a thiocarbonylation reagent.In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of synthesis of a compound of formula (IA)or a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or clathrate, or a prodrug thereof, comprising reacting a compound of formula (IIA)with an oxidizing agent, thereby producing a compound of formula (IA).The present invention is also directed to a method of preparing a compound or a tautomer thereof represented by the following Structural Formula:or a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or clathrate, or a prodrug thereof. The method comprises the step of reacting a first starting compound represented by the following Structural Formula:in the presence of a mercuric salt, with a second starting compound represented by the following Structural Formula: