Facile Synthesis of 1,2,4-Triazoles via a Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Addition−Oxidative Cyclization

A simple one-step synthesis of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives is provided by a copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction under an atmosphere of air. The process should consist of sequential N-C and N-N bond-forming copper-catalyzed oxidative coupling reactions. Starting materials and the copper catalyst are readily available and inexpensive. A wide range of functional groups are tolerated to achieve chemical diversity.