Rapid microwave promoted heterocyclization of primary amines with triethyl orthoformate and sodium azide using zinc sulfide nanoparticles as recyclable catalyst

Microwave assisted synthesis of 1-substituted-1H-tetrazoles was developed using zinc sulfide nanoparticles as heterogeneous catalyst under solvent free conditions. The tetrazole derivatives were easily prepared through hterocyclization of primary amines with triethyl orthoformate and sodium azide in the presence of ZnS NPs. The experimental results were shown that a series of 1-substituted tetrazoles were synthesized under microwave irradiation by ZnS NPs as an effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst in excellent yields. This protocol has advantages rather than other reported methods such as non-acidic catalyst, solvent free conditions and greener process as well as a solid recyclable catalyst. The catalyst was recovered and reused for several cycles with consistent activity.