Alkenes as Azido Precursors for the One-Pot Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazoles Catalyzed by Copper Nanoparticles on Activated Carbon

A one-pot protocol for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles has been developed starting from inactivated alkenes and based on two click reactions: the azidosulfenylation of the carbon-carbon double bond and the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). High yields of the beta-methylsulfanyl triazoles have been attained using CuNPs/C as catalyst, with other commercial copper catalysts being completely inactive. The versatility of the methylsulfanyl group has been demonstrated through a series of synthetic transformations, including direct access to 1-vinyl and 4-monosubstituted triazoles.