Efficient and rapid synthesis of 1-substituted-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazoles in the acidic ionic liquid 1-n-butylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate

An efficient synthesis leading directly to 1-substituted-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazoles from easily available amines and sodium azide in stoichiometric proportions using a room-temperature ionic liquid, namely, 1-n-butylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate in excellent yields is described. The inherent Brّnsted acidity and high polarity of the IL results in a significant enhancement in the reaction rate.