Catalyst-free, aqueous and highly diastereoselective synthesis of new 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles via a multi-component domino Knoevenagel condensation/1,3 dipolar cycloaddition reaction

An approach for the synthesis of new 5-substituted-tetrazoles via multi-component domino Knoevenagel condensation/1,3 dipolar cycloaddition reaction of carbonyl compounds, malononitrile and sodium azide in water without assistance of any catalyst has been reported. This general protocol provides a wide variety of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles in good yields under mild reaction conditions.