Highly regioselective N-2 arylation of 4,5-dibromo-1,2,3-triazole: efficient synthesis of 2-aryltriazoles.

Reaction of 4,5-dibromo-1,2,3-triazole with electron-deficient aromatic halides in the presence of potassium carbonate in DMF produces the corresponding 2-aryl-4,5-dibromotriazoles with high regioselectivity. Subsequent debromination of these triazoles by hydrogenation furnishes 2-aryltriazoles in excellent yields. Overall, this two-step process provides an efficient access to 2-aryl-1,2,3-triazoles.