1,2,3-triazoles: gas phase properties.

1,2,3-Triazoles have come to the forefront as compounds of import in a vast number of applications. The fundamental properties of these species, however, remain largely unknown. Herein, the gas phase properties of 4-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole, benzotriazole, and a series of 1-phenylbenzotriazoles are described. Proton affinity and acidity values are computed and measured. Furthermore, ion-molecule reactions and H/D exchange studies are used to ascertain tautomer prevalence for the 4-phenyl species.