Use of tetrazoles in catalysis and energetic applications: Recent developments

Abstract

• Recent advances in tetrazole-based catalysts are described. • Environmental and catalytic applications of tetrazole-based (nano)materials have been presented. • Stability and catalytic properties of tetrazole-based (nano)materials are highlighted. • Future challenges on tetrazole-based (nano)materials are discussed. Increasing interest in tetrazoles and tetrazole based materials in the recent century has been followed by enormous research efforts devoted for the synthesis of various kinds of materials based on these five membered heterocyclic compounds, which basically contain four nitrogen atoms. The structure of tetrazoles and their derivatives are crucial in preparing complexes since they can act as ligands to modify the reactivity and selectivity of the metal centers in the catalyst and prepare energetic materials. The wide field of tetrazole applications as efficient, air stable and inexpensive materials has drawn attention to the methods to synthesize various kinds of tetrazoles and their derivatives. This study primarily focuses on the fabrication methods of tetrazoles and preparation of tetrazole based compounds and their utilizations in environmental, catalytic, and energetic applications. The significant applications of tetrazole, as a catalyst, energetic material and efficient ligand in the organic catalysis or formation of various catalysts are described with an emphasis on its performance, reusability and stability and environmental concerns such as treatment of wastewater and water. Finally, a brief summary and an outlook on some of the scientific challenges and opportunities of these materials have also been discussed.