Regioselective N2-Arylation of Tetrazoles under CuO nanocatalysis: A route to potent anti-MRSA agents

Abstract

We report an efficient ligand- and base-free strategy for the regioselective N2-arylation of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles with arylboronic acids using commercially available CuO nanoparticles as catalyst. Copper-based nanoparticles are particularly favoured for their natural abundance, low cost, and versatility in organic transformations, especially C–N bond formation. This protocol is compatible with a variety of functionalized tetrazoles and arylboronic acids. The CuO nanocatalyst can be easily recovered and reused up to three times without significant loss of activity. Notably, one of the synthesized 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with a zone of inhibition measuring 19 ± 1.4 mm