Diisopropylethylammonium acetate (DIPEAc): An efficient and recyclable catalyst for the rapid synthesis of 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles

Abstract

ABSTRACTA simple and efficient protocol developed for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazole derivatives through [2+3] cycloaddition reaction between benzonitriles and sodium azide using diisopropylethylammonium acetate as a recyclable reaction medium is described. The reactions proceed well at 80 °C and provide the corresponding tetrazoles in good to excellent yields (up to 94% yield). Developed method has notable advantages, such as simple and mild conditions, easy workup, reusability with consistent catalytic activity, and safer alternative to hazardous, corrosive conventional Lewis acid catalysts.