Ultrasound-promoted one-pot three component synthesis of tetrazoles catalyzed by zinc sulfide nanoparticles as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst.

Ultrasound irradiation was applied for the appropriate and rapid synthesis of 1-substituted tetrazoles through cyclization reaction of various primary amines, sodium azide and triethyl orthoformate. This reaction was effectively catalyzed by ZnS nanoparticles as an efficient, recoverable and reusable catalyst. Compared with conventional methods, this method has the considerable advantages such as shorter reaction times, easier work-up, purer products with high yields and mild conditions. The ZnS nanoparticles catalyst is an excellent instance to replace Brønsted acids for the preparation of 1-substituted tetrazole derivatives in very short reaction times with excellent yields. The catalyst can be recovered and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.