A general synthetic method for the formation of arylaminotetrazoles using natural natrolite zeolite as a new and reusable heterogeneous catalyst

An efficient method for preparation of arylaminotetrazoles is reported using natrolite zeolite as a natural catalyst. Generally, isomer of 5-arylamino-1H-tetrazole can be obtained from arylcyanamides carrying electron-withdrawing substituent on aryl ring and as the electropositivity of substituent is increased, the product is shifted toward the isomer of 1-aryl-5-amino-1H-tetrazole. This method has the advantages of high yields, simple methodology, short reaction times and easy work-up. The catalyst can be recovered by simple filtration and reused in good yields.