General Description
1H-TETRAZOLE(288-94-8) is an odorless white to light-yellow crystalline powder. Mp:1 55-157°C. When heated to decomposition 1H-TETRAZOLE(288-94-8) emits toxic oxides of nitrogen fumes. Can explode if exposed to shock or heat from friction or fire. The primary hazard is from blast effect where the entire load can explode instantaneously and not from flying projectiles and fragments.
Health Hazard
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Fire Hazard
MAY EXPLODE AND THROW FRAGMENTS 1600 meters (1 MILE) OR MORE IF FIRE REACHES CARGO.
Chemical Properties
white crystals or crystalline powder
Uses
A catalyst for phosphoramidite synthesis.
Application
1H-Tetrazole is used as a bioisostere for the carboxylate group. It is also used as coupling reagent for preparation of polynucleotides.
Definition
ChEBI: A tetrazole tautomer where the proton is located on the 1st position.
Preparation
The first tetrazole synthesis was reported in 1885.
Tetrazole Synthesis: Nano-TiCl4.SiO2 (0.1 g) was added to a mixture of benzonitrile (1 mmol), sodium azide (2 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) at reflux for 2 h. After completion of reaction (as monitored by TLC), the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, the catalyst was removed by filtration. Then by adding ice water and 4N HCl (5 mL) to the residue, a white solid was obtained. This was then washed with cold chloroform. This simple procedure yielded pure tetrazole with good yields.
Purification Methods
Crystallise the tetrazole from EtOH and sublime it under high vacuum at ca 120o (care should be taken due to possible EXPLOSION). [Beilstein 26 H 346, 26 I 108, 26 II 196, 26 III/IV 1652.]
