Pseudo-four component synthesis of mono- and Di-Benzylated-1,2,3-Triazoles derived from aniline

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules19010055

The pseudo-four component click synthesis of dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles derived from aniline is reported. The cycloaddition of sodium azide to N-(prop-2-ynyl)- benzenamine (I) in the presence of equimolar amounts of p-substituted benzyl derivatives, yields a mixture of mono- and dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles. When two equivalents of the benzyl derivative are added to the multicomponent reaction, the selective preparation of the dibenzylated compounds is achieved. The reactivity of the aniline N-H bond in monobenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles was tested by treatment with one equivalent of a p-substituted benzyl chloride at 40 °C, rendering the dibenzylated derivatives quantitatively.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules19010055

Molecules 2014, 19, 55-66; doi:10.3390/molecules19010055
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molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Communication
Pseudo-Four Component Synthesis of Mono- and
Di-Benzylated-1,2,3-Triazoles Derived from Aniline
Daniel Mendoza-Espinosa 1, Guillermo E. Negron-Silva 1,*, Leticia Lomas-Romero 2,
Atilano Gutierrez-Carrillo 2 and Rosa Santillán 3
1
Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Azcapotzalco, Avenida
San Pablo No. 180, C.P. 02200, México D.F., Mexico; E-Mail: dmesp@correo.azc.uam.mx
2
Departamento de Química, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael
Atlixco No. 186, C.P. 09340, México D.F., Mexico; E-Mails: llr@xanum.uam.mx (L.L.-R.);
agrmn@xanum.uam.mx (A.G.-C.)
3
Departamento de Química, CINVESTAV-IPN, Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07000, México D.F., Mexico;
E-Mail: rsantill@cinvestav.mx
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: gns@correo.azc.uam.mx;
Tel.: +52-55-5318-9593; Fax: +52-55-5318-9000.
Received: 30 October 2013; in revised form: 16 December 2013 / Accepted: 16 December 2013 /
Published: 20 December 2013
Abstract: The pseudo-four component click synthesis of dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles
derived from aniline is reported. The cycloaddition of sodium azide to N-(prop-2-ynyl)-
benzenamine (I) in the presence of equimolar amounts of p-substituted benzyl derivatives,
yields a mixture of mono- and dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles. When two equivalents of the
benzyl derivative are added to the multicomponent reaction, the selective preparation of the
dibenzylated compounds is achieved. The reactivity of the aniline N-H bond in
monobenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles was tested by treatment with one equivalent of a
p-substituted benzyl chloride at 40 °C, rendering the dibenzylated derivatives quantitatively.
Keywords: click chemistry; aniline; dibenzylated triazoles; catalysis
1. Introduction
One-pot multicomponent reactions are increasingly important in areas such as organic chemistry
and materials science because they offer several advantages over classical linear syntheses [1–3].

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Multicomponent reactions are highly convergent, offering a notable increase in molecular complexity
and topology in a single step [4–9]. Another important feature concerns the reduction of waste
production as a result of the decrease of synthetic or isolation steps along with time savings [10–14].
Within the most conventional multicomponent processes, those based on the peculiar reactivity of
isocyanides, such as the Doemling, Ugi and Passerini reactions are the most studied [15–26]. Since the
copper(I) azide-alkyne catalyzed cycloadditon (CuAAC) was reported independently by the groups of
Sharpless and Medal in 2002, a tremendous variety of 1,4-disusbtituted 1,2,3-triazoles have been
prepared [27–34]. Due to the importance and interest of the 1,2,3-triazole motif in the drugs and
pharmaceuticals design, there is continuous quest for the development of a simple and efficient
methods for their preparation in one-pot multicomponent processes [35–43].
Most click processes for triazole synthesis are usually based on three component reactions [44–48].
Relatively few reports on four component click reactions have been reported so far [49–52]. As part of
our ongoing program in triazole chemistry, we envisioned the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles as potential
steel corrosion inhibitors and/or transition metal ligands. In the present report, we disclose a general
approach for the one-pot synthesis of a series of mono-, and dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles based on
aniline as the parent compound. The modular synthesis described herein allows for the preparation of
N-benzylated 1,2,3-triazoles under mild conditions and the functionalization of the N-H bond in the
aniline moiety simultaneously through a pseudo-four component click process.
2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Synthesis and Characterization
The initial synthetic step involved the preparation of N-(prop-2-ynyl)benzenamine (I) by
deprotonation of aniline with potassium carbonate in acetone at room temperature, followed by the
addition of equimolar amounts of propargyl bromide. After work up and purification through column
chromatography on silica gel, alkyne I was isolated in 79% yield according to Scheme 1 [53].
Scheme 1. Synthesis of alkyne I.
H
Ph
NH2
N
K2CO3
+
Br
Acetone
(I)
The click reaction between I and sodium azide was carried out in a 4:1 water/ethanol mixture using
Cu(OAc)2 and sodium ascorbate as the reagents to render the Cu(I) active catalyst. After addition of
benzyl chloride to the reaction mixture and stirring at room temperature for 18 h we observed the
complete consumption of the alkyne. At our first intention, we had targeted the preparation of the
N-benzylated 1,2,3-triazole 2a, however, TLC analysis of the reaction mixture showed two main
products. After separation by column chromatography using CH2Cl2 and CH2Cl2–MeOH (98:2) as
gradient mixtures, the two products were isolated. The 1H-NMR spectra of the second fraction showed
two single peaks corresponding to the methylene groups and a triplet signal assigned to the NH bond
from the aniline moiety. All the patterns were consistent with the structure of the expected triazole 2a.

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On the other hand, the spectrum of the first fraction displayed three different methylene moieties and
1
13
the signal for the NH group no longer appeared. Careful analysis of the H and C spectra and the
M+H [355.1923] ion of 1a in HRMS (ESI-TOF) confirmed the dibenzylated triazole structure of this
molecule. Thus, to our delight, the preparation of triazole 1a resulted from a one-pot pseudo-four
component click process.
The scope of the method was extended with the use of several p-halobenzylic derivatives yielding
the mono- and di-benzylated 1,2,3-triazoles 1b‒e and 2b–e, respectively. Likewise the use of several
benzylic derivatives allows for the preparation of 1,2,3-triazoles which feature several halogen
substituents. As depicted in Table 1, the reaction proceeds smoothly under mild reaction conditions.
Table 1. Synthesis of mono- and dibenzylated triazoles.
Y
1a-e
N
H
N
N
N
N
Cu(OAc)2 H2O(5 mol%)
H2O (5 mol%)
(I)
Y
1,10-Phen
EtOH-H2O (4:1)
+
X
+
+
Y
NaN3
Na ascorbate
r.t., 18 h
H
N
2a-e
Y
N
N
N
Reagents and conditions: Compound I (1.14 mmol), Cu(OAc)2·H2O (5 mol%),
1,10-phenanthroline (5 mol%), sodium ascorbate (1.14 mmol), sodium azide (1.40 mmol),
p-substituted benzyl halogenide (1.40 mmol), stirring at room temperature for 18 h in
EtOH/H2O (4:1).
Entry
X
Y
H
F
Product
Yield (%)
Product
Yield (%)
1
2
3
4
5
Cl
Cl
Cl
Br
Br
1a
1b
1c
1d
1e
42
40
39
42
25
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
35
31
35
29
42
Cl
Br
I
Triazoles 1a–f and 2a–f were conveniently characterized by FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR spectroscopy,
and also by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. The formation of the 1,2,3-triazoles was apparent by
1
the presence in the H-NMR of the characteristic singlet due to the triazolyl protons in the
δ = 7.99–8.02 ppm for 1a–e and δ = 7.98–8.01 ppm region for 2a–e, respectively.
For most of the series, the click reaction provides the dibenzylated products in higher yields with
the exception of the reaction with 4-iodobenzyl chloride in which the monobenzylated triazole is the
major product. This may be related to a deactivating effect on the N-H bond due to the presence of the
large iodo atom.
As the dibenzylated products were an interesting example of a pseudo-four component process, we
focused next on optimization of their preparation. Considering that the dibenzylated products were
favored in the original process, we envisioned that we could facilitate their selective preparation by
increasing the equivalents of p-halogenated benzyl derivatives. Thus, the original process was

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optimized using 2.4 equivalents of the benzylated reactant and 24 h stirring at room temperature. As
denoted in Table 2, the reaction proceeds nicely providing dibenzylated products 1a–e in high yields.
Table 2. Synthesis of bis-1,2,3-triazoles 1a–e.
Y
H
N
(5 mol%)
Cu(OAc)2 H2O
1a-e
Y
(I)
H2O(5 mol%)
1,10-Phen
N
+
X
2.2
+
N
EtOH-H2O (4:1)
Na ascorbate
r.t., 24 h
N
NaN3
Y
N
Reagents and conditions: Compound II (1.14 mmol), Cu(OAc)2·H2O (5 mol%),
1,10-phenanthroline (5 mol%), sodium ascorbate (1.14 mmol), sodium azide (1.40 mmol),
p-substituted benzyl halogenide (2.80 mmol), stirring at room temperature for 24 h in
EtOH/H2O (4:1).
Entry
X
Y
H
F
Product
Yield (%)
1
2
3
4
5
Cl
Cl
Cl
Br
Br
1a
1b
1c
1d
1e
71
76
80
79
86
Cl
Br
I
Once we had selectively prepared 1a–e, we targeted the synthesis of dibenzylated compounds
containing mixed benzyl moieties. With this aim, the reaction was carried out in the presence of one
equivalent of p-iodobenzyl chloride and one equivalent of p-bromobenzyl chloride and stirring for 24 h
1
13
showing by TLC the presence of four compounds in similar ratios. Analysis by of the H and C
suggested the presence of two mono- and two benzylated compounds, however, due to the complexity
of the mixture no separation was possible.
Knowing that the N-benzylated 1,2,3-triazoles contained a N-H bond, we decided to test its
reactivity towards benzyl derivatives in order to obtain bifunctionalized species. Monitoring the
addition of equimolar amounts of p-iodobenzyl chloride to triazole 2e at room temperature in
chloroform, it was observed that after 24 h, only 5% conversion to the desired benzylated aniline was
reached. After several trials, we observed that carrying out the reaction at 40 °C and 12 h of stirring
resulted in the full consumption of the starting material. After separation by column chromatography on
silica gel with CH3Cl as eluent, compound 1e was obtained as a waxy solid in 94% yield (Scheme 2).
A second example of the N-H group functionalization of compound 2e, was achieved by treatment
with p-fluorobenzyl chloride under similar reaction conditions. Compounds 3 that displays different
p-substituted-benzyl moieties, was obtained in 90% yield after work up and purification (Scheme 2).
Scheme 2. Synthesis of dibenzylated triazoles 1e and 3.
Y
H
DCM, 40oC
N
Cl
N
N
+
N
N
Y
N
N
Y = I, F
N
I
2e
I
Y = I = 1e
Y = F= 3

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All the reported 1,2,3-triazoles were obtained as clear solids and their robustness is denoted by their
high stability in solution and under aerobic conditions.
3. Experimental
3.1. General Methods
Commercially available reagents and solvents were used as received. N-(prop-2-ynyl)benzenamine (I)
was synthesized as reported in the literature [53]. Flash column chromatography was performed on
Kieselgel silica gel 60 (230–400 mesh). Melting points were determined on a Fisher-Johns apparatus
and are uncorrected. IR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Alpha FT-IR/ATR spectrometer.
NMR spectra were obtained with a JEOL ECA-500 (500 MHz) spectrometer. Chemical shifts (δ) are
given in ppm downfield from Me4Si as an internal reference; coupling constants are given in Hertz.
High-resolution mass spectra (HRMS) were recorded on a JEOL JMS-SX 102a and Agilent-MSD-
TOF-1069A spectrometers 41.
3.2. Typical Procedure for the Synthesis of Mono- and Dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles from Aniline
3.2.1. Benzyl Chloride
To a 20 mL round-bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer, were charged Cu(OAc)2·H2O
(11 mg, 0.057 mmol, 5 mol%), 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate (10 mg, 0.057 mmol, 5 mol%), and
sodium L-ascorbate (224 mg, 1.14 mmol). After addition of a EtOH/H2O mixture (4:1 v/v, 7 mL), the
resulting suspension was stirred for five minutes at room temperature. Subsequently, I (150 mg,
1.14 mmol), sodium azide (90 mg, 1.40 mmol), and benzyl chloride (0.16 mL, 1.40 mmol) were added
to the reaction mixture, which was stirred during 18 h at room temperature. H2O (5 mL) was added to
the reaction mixture and the precipitate was filtered off, washed thoroughly with H2O, petroleum ether,
and dried under vacuum. The crude mixture containing mono- and dibenzylated products was
separated by column chromatography and characterized as follows:
N-Benzyl-N-((1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (1a). Using CH2Cl2 as eluent, the
1
first fraction affords 169 mg (42% Yield) of 1a as a white solid. mp 104–106 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3):
δ = 4.63 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 4.64 (s, 2H, ArCH2Ntriazole), 5.55 (s, 2H, NCH2C=C), 6.59 (t, 7.9 Hz, 1H, CHar),
6.77 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.07–7.11 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.19–7.23 (m, 5H, CHar), 7.24–7.28 (m, 2H, CHar),
13
7.30–7.36 (m, 3H, CHar), 7.99 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). C-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 45.9 (ArCH2Ntriazole), 52.6
(ArCH2N), 53.8 (NCH2C=C), 112.5 (CHar), 116.2 (CHar), 123.1 (CHtriazole), 126.5 (CHar), 126.6 (CHar),
127.6 (CHar), 127.9 (CHar), 128.3 (CHar), 128.6 (CHar), 128.8 (CHar), 136.0 (Car), 138.9 (Car), 144.7
(Ctriazole), 147.9 (Car). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3116, 3084, 3064, 3027, 2960, 2920, 2885, 1726, 1596,
1527, 1506, 1494, 1450. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for C23H22N4+H+: 355.1923; Found: 355.1908.
N-((1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (2a). Using CH2Cl2-MeOH (99:1) as eluent,
1
the second fraction affords 105 mg (35% Yield) of 2a as a white solid. mp 75–77 °C. H-NMR
(DMSO-d6): δ = 4.29 (d, 5.4 Hz, 2H, NCH2C=C), 5.57 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 6.01 (t, 6.1 Hz, 1H, NH),
6.54 (t, 7.7 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.61 (d, 7.6 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.05–7.08 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.28–7.36 (m, 5H,

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13
CHar), 7.99 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 39.1 (ArCH2N), 53.2 (NCH2C=C), 112.8
(CHar), 116.5 (CHar), 123.3 (CHtriazole), 128.3 (CHar), 128.5 (CHar), 129.2 (CHar), 129.3 (CHar), 136.6
(Car), 146.5 (Ctriazole), 148.8 (Car). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3401, 3104, 3058, 2950, 2920, 2893, 2848, 1599,
1507, 1493, 1454, 1439. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for C16H16N4+H+: 264.1453; Found: 264.1459.
3.2.2. 4-Fluorobenzyl Chloride
The general procedure was followed using 1.40 mmol 4-fluorobenzyl chloride. The mixture of
products was purified by column chromatography and characterized as follows:
N-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-N-((1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (1b). Using
CH2Cl2 as eluent, the first fraction affords 178 mg (40% yield) of 1b as a white solid. mp 93–95 °C.
1H-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 4.60 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 4.63 (s, 2H, ArCH2Ntriazole), 5.54 (s, 2H, NCH2C=C),
6.61 (t, 7.8 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.76 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.07–7.10 (m, 4H, CHar), 7.15–7.17 (m, 2H,
13
CHar), 7.24–7.27 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.30–7.33 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.99 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). C-NMR (CDCl3):
δ = 45.8 (ArCH2Ntriazole), 51.8 (ArCH2N), 53.1 (NCH2C=C), 112.6 (CHar), 115.0 (d, 21.3 Hz, CHar-F),
115.4 (d, 21.4 Hz, CHar-F), 116.4 (CHar), 123.0 (CHtriazole), 128.4 (d, 8.8 Hz, CHar-F), 128.8 (CHar),
130.0 (d, 8.8 Hz, CHar-F), 132.2 (d, 2.5 Hz, Car-F), 134.9 (d, 2.5 Hz, Car-F), 144.6 (Ctriazole), 147.8 (Car),
160.4 (d, 241.2 Hz, Car-F), 162.3 (d, 243.6 Hz, Car-F). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3108, 3064, 2857, 2927,
2859, 1725, 1594, 1504, 1456, 1442, 1389. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for C23H20F2N4+H+:
391.1734; Found: 391.1720.
N-((1-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (2b). Using CH2Cl2:MeOH (99:1)
as eluent, the second fraction affords 100 mg (31% yield) of 2b as a white solid. mp 88–90 °C.
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 4.27 (d, 5.4 Hz, 2H, NCH2C=C), 5.56 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 6.01 (t, 6.1 Hz, 1H,
NH), 6.54 (t, 7.9 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.63 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.05–7.08 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.17–7.21 (m,
2H, CHar), 7.35–7.38 (m, 2H, CHar), 8.00 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 39.1 (ArCH2N),
52.3 (NCH2C=C), 112.8 (CHar), 115.9 (d, 21.3 Hz, CHar-F), 116.5 (CHar), 123.2 (CHtriazole), 129.3
(CHar), 130.6 (d, 8.8 Hz, CHar-F), 132.9 (d, 3.8 Hz, Car-F), 146.6 (Ctriazole), 148.9 (Car), 162.3 (d, 243 Hz,
Car-F). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3397, 3105, 3058, 3048, 2952, 2920, 2893, 2846, 1719, 1599, 1506,
1459, 1439. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for C16H15FN4+H+: 283.1359; Found: 283.1364.
3.2.3. 4-Chlorobenzyl Chloride
The general procedure was followed using 1.40 mmol of 4-chlorobenzyl chloride. The mixture of
products was purified by column chromatography and characterized as follows:
N-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-N-((1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (1c). Using
CH2Cl2 as eluent, the first fraction affords 188 mg (39% yield) of 1c as a white solid. mp 126–128 °C.
1H-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 4.61 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 4.65 (s, 2H, ArCH2Ntriazole), 5.55 (s, 2H, NCH2C=C),
6.61 (t, 7.7 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.75 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.09–7.12 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.22–7.25 (m, 4H,
CHar), 7.32 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.40 (d, 7.7 Hz, 2H, CHar), 8.02 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). 13C-NMR
(CDCl3): δ = 45.9 (ArCH2Ntriazole), 51.8 (ArCH2N), 53.2 (NCH2C=C), 112.6 (CHar), 116.4 (CHar),
123.1 (CHtriazole), 128.2 (CHar), 128.4 (CHar), 128.6 (CHar), 128.8 (CHar), 129.6 (CHar), 131.1 (Car),

Molecules 2014, 19
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132.7 (Car), 135.0 (Car), 138.0 (Car), 144.6 (Ctriazole), 147.7 (Car). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3129, 3085,
3064, 3041, 2925, 1758, 1597, 1575, 1505, 1491, 1458, 1435. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for
C23H20Cl2N4+H+: 423.1143; Found: 423.1142
N-((1-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (2c). Using CH2Cl2:MeOH (99:1)
as eluent, the second fraction affords 119 mg (35% yield) of 2c as a white solid. mp 83–85 °C.
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 4.29 (d, 5.4 Hz, 2H, NCH2C=C), 5.57 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 6.03 (bs, 1H, NH),
6.54 (t, 7.9 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.64 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.05–7.08 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.31 (d, 7.7 Hz, 2H,
13
CHar), 7.42 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 8.01 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 39.1 (ArCH2N),
52.4 (NCH2C=C), 112.8 (CHar), 116.5 (CHar), 123.4 (CHtriazole), 129.1 (CHar), 129.3 (CHar), 130.2
(CHar), 133.2 (Car), 135.7 (Car), 146.6 (Ctriazole), 148.8 (Car). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3427, 3322, 3123,
3066, 3046, 2947, 2917, 2849, 1600, 1509, 1490, 1458, 1427, 1409. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for
C16H15ClN4+H+: 299.1019; Found: 299.1063.
3.2.4. 4-Bromobenzyl Chloride
The general procedure was followed using (1.40 mmol) of 4-bromobenzyl chloride. The mixture of
products was purified by column chromatography and characterized as follows:
N-(4-Bromobenzyl)-N-((1-(4-bromobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (1d). Using
CH2Cl2 as eluent, the first fraction affords 245 mg (42% yield) of 1d as a white solid. mp 131–133 °C.
1H-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 4.59 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 4.65 (s, 2H, ArCH2Ntriazole), 5.54 (s, 2H, NCH2C=C),
6.61 (t, 7.8 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.75 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.09–7.12 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.16–7.20 (m, 4H,
CHar), 7.46 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.55 (d, 7.7 Hz, 2H, CHar), 8.02 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). 13C-NMR
(CDCl3): δ = 46.0 (ArCH2Ntriazole), 51.9 (ArCH2N), 53.3 (NCH2C=C), 112.7 (CHar), 116.4 (CHar),
119.5 (Car), 121.3 (Car), 123.2 (Ctriazole), 128.8 (CHar), 128.9 (CHar), 129.9 (CHar), 131.2 (CHar), 131.6
(CHar), 135.5 (Car), 138.5 (Car), 144.7 (Ctriazole), 147.7 (Car). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3139, 3043, 3012,
2977, 2911, 2935, 2800, 1596, 1515, 1499, 1436, 1425. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for
C23H20Br2N4+H+: 513.0133; Found: 513.0146.
N-((1-(4-Bromobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (2d). Using CH2Cl2:MeOH (99:1)
as eluent, the second fraction affords 113 mg (29% yield) of 2d as a white solid. mp 114–116 °C.
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 4.29 (d, 5.4 Hz, 2H, NCH2C=C), 5.56 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 6.01 (t, 5.4 Hz, 1H,
NH), 6.55 (t, 7.8 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.62 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.05–7.08 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.24 (d, 7.7 Hz,
2H, CHar), 7.56 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 8.00 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 39.0
(ArCH2N), 52.4 (NCH2C=C), 112.8 (CHar), 116.5 (CHar), 121.8 (Car), 123.4 (CHtriazole), 129.3 (CHar),
130.6 (CHar), 132.1 (CHar), 136.1 (Car), 146.6 (Ctriazole), 148.8 (Car). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3492, 3398,
3320, 3123, 3045, 2944, 2887, 1600, 1510, 1487, 1460, 1426. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for
C16H15BrN4+H+: 344.0460; Found: 344.0465.
3.2.5. 4-Iodobenzyl Bromide
The general procedure was followed using (1.40 mmol) of 4-iodobenzyl bromide. The mixture of
products was purified by column chromatography and characterized as follows:

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N-(4-Iodobenzyl)-N-((1-(4-iodobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (1e). Using CH2Cl2 as
eluent, the first fraction affords 172 mg (25% yield) of 1e as a white solid. mp 138–140 °C. 1H-NMR
(CDCl3): δ = 4.57 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 4.64 (s, 2H, ArCH2Ntriazole), 5.51 (s, 2H, NCH2C=C), 6.61 (t, 7.8 Hz,
1H, CHar), 6.74 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.02–7.04 (m, 2H, CHar), 7.08–7.11 (m, 4H, CHar), 7.63 (d,
13
7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.71 (d, 7.7 Hz, 2H, CHar), 8.01 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). C-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 45.9
(ArCH2Ntriazole), 52.0 (ArCH2N), 53.4 (NCH2C=C), 92.1 (Car), 94.2 (Car), 112.6 (CHar), 116.4 (CHar),
123.2 (Ctriazole), 128.8 (CHar), 129.0 (CHar), 129.9 (CHar), 135.8 (Car), 137.0 (CHar), 137.4 (CHar), 138.9
(Car), 144.6 (Ctriazole), 147.7 (Car). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3130, 3062, 3024, 2955, 2922, 2905, 2855, 1597,
1504, 1482, 1456, 1431. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for C23H20I2N4+H+: 606.9855; Found: 606.9856.
N-((1-(4-Iodobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (2e). Using CH2Cl2:MeOH (99:1) as
eluent, the second fraction affords 195 mg (42% yield) of 2e as a white solid. mp 128–130 °C.
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 4.27 (d, 5.4 Hz, 2H, NCH2C=C), 5.52 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 5.99
(t, 5.4 Hz, 1H, NH), 6.54 (t, 7.8 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.62 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.04–7.07 (m, 2H, CHar),
13
7.08 (d, 7.7 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.72 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.98 (s, 1H, CHtriazole). C-NMR (DMSO-d6):
δ = 38.6 (ArCH2N), 52.4 (NCH2C=C), 94.2 (Car), 112.3 (CHar), 116.0 (CHar), 122.9 (CHtriazole), 128.8
(CHar), 130.1 (CHar), 135.9 (Car), 137.4 (Car), 146.1 (Ctriazole), 148.3 (Car). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3452,
3390, 3303, 3121, 3039, 2947, 2854, 1598, 1504, 1483, 1458, 1428. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for
C16H15IN4+H+: 391.0375; Found: 391.0420.
3.3. Typical Procedure for the Selective Synthesis of Dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles Derived from Aniline
To a 20 mL round-bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer, were charged Cu(OAc)2·H2O
(11 mg, 0.057 mmol, 5 mol%), 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate (10 mg, 0.057 mmol, 5 mol%), and
sodium L-ascorbate (224 mg, 1.14 mmol). After addition of a mixture of EtOH/H2O (7 mL, 4:1 v/v),
the resulting suspension was stirred for five minutes at room temperature. Subsequently, I (150 mg,
1.14 mmol), sodium azide (90 mg, 1.40 mmol), and benzyl chloride (0.32 mL, 2.80 mmol) were added
to the reaction mixture, which was stirred during 24 h at room temperature. H2O (5 mL) was added to
the reaction mixture and the precipitate was filtered off, washed thoroughly with H2O, petroleum ether,
and dried under vacuum. The dibenzylated products 1a–e were purified by column chromatography
using CH3Cl as eluent.
3.4. Reaction of N-((1-(4-Iodobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (2e) with
p-Halogenated Benzyl Chlorides
N-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-N-((1-(4-iodobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-Triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (3). In a 20 mL
round-bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer, p-fluorobenzyl chloride (33 μL, 0.281 mmol) was
added to a solution of 2e (100 mg, 0.256 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (10 mL) and the reaction mixture was
allowed to stir for 12 h at 40 °C. The mixture was dried under vacuum and the residue was purified by
column chromatography using CH3Cl as eluent to give 114 mg (90% yield) of the title product as a
1
waxy solid; mp 86–88 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 4.56 (s, 2H, ArCH2N), 4.68 (s, 2H, ArCH2Ntriazole),
5.41 (s, 2H, NCH2C=C), 6.76 (t, 7.8 Hz, 1H, CHar), 6.78 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H, CHar), 6.95 (d, 7.8 Hz, 2H,
CHar), 6.99 (d, 7.7 Hz, 2H, CHar), 7.19–7.21 (m, 4H, CHar), 7.27 (s, 1H, CHtriazole), 7.71 (d, 7.7 Hz, 2H,

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CHar). C-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 46.6 (ArCH2Ntriazole), 53.5 (ArCH2N), 54.0 (NCH2C=C), 94.5 (Car),
113.2 (CHar), 115.4 (d, 20.1 Hz, CHar-F), 117.6 (CHar), 121.6 (CHtriazole), 128.4 (d, 8.8 Hz, CHar-F),
129.3 (CHar), 129.6 (CHar), 134.0 (d, 2.6 Hz, Car-F), 134.3 (Car), 138.2 (CHar), 146.1 (Ctriazole), 148.3 (Car),
161.9 (d, 263 Hz, Car-F). FT-IR/ATR νmax cm−1: 3119, 3075, 3037, 3023, 2979, 2917, 1729, 1594, 1503,
1484, 1458, 1440. HRMS (ESI-TOF) calculated for C23H20IFN4+H+: 499.0717; Found: 499.0788.
N-(4-Iodoobenzyl)-N-((1-(4-iodobenzyl)-1H-1,2,3-Triazol-4-yl-)methyl)benzenamine (1e). The above
procedure was followed using 4-iodobenzyl chloride (0.281 mmol). The title product (146 mg, 94%
yield) was obtained as a waxy solid after purification by column chromatography using CH3Cl as eluent.
4. Conclusions
In conclusion, we have reported a one-pot methodology for the synthesis of a series of mono-, and
dibenzylated 1,2,3-triazoles utilizing “click” chemistry. The selective preparation of dibenzylated
triazoles 1a–e was achieved by addition of excess of p-halogenated benzyl derivatives in a pseudo-four
component click process. Particularly appealing is the reactivity of the available N-H bond in the
N-benzylated triazoles 2a–e which may be tunable with a variety of functional groups. The possible
applications of the synthetized 1,2,3-triazoles are the topic of current investigation in our laboratory.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, CONACyT (project 181448).
DME also acknowledges “Beca de Retencion” (application 192049) sponsored by CONACyT and
UAM-Azcapotzalco. DME, GNS, LLR and RS wish to acknowledge the SNI for the distinction and
the stipend received.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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