(NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 as an inexpensive, eco-friendly, efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1-H tetrazoles from nitriles

Ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) is found to be a suitable, inexpensive, and effective non-toxic catalyst for a smooth (3+2) cycloaddition of organic nitriles with NaN3 to afford 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles in excellent yields. Shorter reaction times, easy work-up, and substantial and pure product formation are the key advantages of the present method. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.