Activated Fuller's earth as an inexpensive, eco-friendly, efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 5-aryl 1-H-tetrazole via [3+2] cycloaddition of nitriles and sodium azide

A simple and efficient method for the preparation of 5-aryl 1-H-tetrazoles was developed from various aryl nitrites and sodium azide (NaN3) via [3+2] cycloaddition reaction using activated Fuller's earth as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst. This catalyst has advantageous of cost, stability, recovery, reusability, and ecological benefits along with high product yield, and mild protocol. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.