Preparation of 5-Aryl-2-Alkyltetrazoles with Aromatic Aldehydes, Alkylhydrazine, Di-tert-butyl Azodicarboxylate, and [Bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene.

A variety of 5-aryl-2-methyltetrazoles and 5-aryl-2-benzyltetrazoles were directly prepared in good to moderate yields by the reaction of aromatic aldehydes with methylhydrazine and benzylhydrazine, followed by treatment with di-tert-butyl azodicarboxylate and [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene in a mixture of dichloromethane and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol at room temperature. The present method is a novel one-pot preparation of 5-aryl-2-methyltetrazoles and 5-aryl-2-benzyltetrazoles through a [2N + 2N] combination under transition metal-free and mild conditions.