Functionalisation of 1,2,3-triazole via lithiation of 1-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole

The preparation of a number of 5-substituted 1-2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazoles via reaction of 1-2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole with n-butyllithium followed by addition of various electrophiles is reported. Removal of the protecting group by action of diluted aqueous hydrochloric acid or by tetrabutylammonium fluoride in tetrahydrofuran leads to the appropriate 4-substituted 1H-1,2,3-triazoles.