Electrolytic copper as cheap and effective catalyst for one-pot triazole synthesis

Electrolytic copper is a well-known form of pure, oxygen free copper that is used for industrial applications. In this work, the catalytic potential of this relatively cheap material was studied. The addition of less than 0.015 mol equivalent of copper powder effectively catalysed the one-pot synthesis of triazoles from a diverse range of organic halides and alkynes. Quantitative conversions in aqueous solvents can be achieved within minutes. The heterogenous nature of the catalyst afforded a low level of copper contamination in the products, thus meeting the rigorous criteria of the pharmaceutical industry.