Synthesis of 1-substituted tetrazoles via the acid-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition between isocyanides and trimethylsilyl azide

1-Substituted tetrazoles were synthesized via the [3+2] cycloaddition between isocyanides and trimethylsilyl azide in the presence of an acid catalyst and MeOH. Various 1-substituted tetrazoles were obtained in good to high yields. The reaction probably proceeds through the in situ formation of hydrazoic acid, followed by a successive [3+2] cycloaddition with the isocyanide activated by an acid.