Recoverable Cu/SiO2 composite-catalysed click synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles in water media

An eco-friendly multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles using a recoverable and recyclable Cu/SiO2 composite as the catalyst is reported. The reaction proceeds by mixing the benzyl halide, sodium azide, the alkyne and the catalyst in an aqueous medium to afford the desired products in excellent yields. The heterogeneous catalytic system showed high efficiency, performing the multicomponent Huisgen reaction in a green approach based on recoverability, recyclability and avoidance of waste. Microwave irradiation was also applied, substituting for conventional heating, resulting in excellent yields of the products with a dramatic reduction in the reaction time.