Regioselective synthesis of carboxylic and fluoromethyl tetrazoles enabled by silver-catalyzed cycloaddition of diazoacetates and aryl diazonium salts

Here we present a dipolar [3 + 2] cycloaddition transformation of diazoacetates with arenediazonium salts under silver catalysis, thus offering a straightforward approach for the regioselective construction of carboxylic tetrazoles. Several merits are accompanied with this reaction including readily available starting reagents, broad coupling scope, high yields, and friendly reaction conditions. The synthetic value is further showcased by one-pot conversion of commercially available primary arylamines to tetrazoles and successful transformations of the cycloadducts into valuable 5-fluoromethyltetrazoles and an analogue of P2X3 receptor antagonist. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.