Synthesis of 2-aryl-2H-tetrazoles via a regioselective [3+2] cycloaddition reaction

A regioselective cycloaddition reaction of arenediazonium salts with trimethylsilyldiazomethane is reported. A series of 2-aryltetrazoles were obtained in good to moderate yields with wide functional group compatibility. Furthermore, this cycloaddition reaction opens the way to build up the versatile intermediate 2-aryl-5-bromotetrazole.