Microwave-assisted benzyne-click chemistry: preparation of 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazoles

The benzotriazoles were prepared by three-component and two-component microwave-assisted [3+2] cycloadditions of various azides to benzyne, 3-methoxybenzyne, and 4,5-difluorobenzyne. In the three-component reaction, the aryne is generated, in the presence of an azide prepared in situ, by the reaction of an o-(trimethylsilylaryl) triflate with either CsF or KF/18-Crown-6. However, in the two-component reactions, a freshly prepared azide is added to the reaction vessel prior to aryne generation. Good to excellent yields of benzotriazoles were obtained in 15–20 min when the microwave-assisted reactions were carried out at 125 °C. These reaction times are significantly faster than similar reactions carried out using conventional heating.