The reaction of 2-(tetrazol-5-yl)alkyl ketones and of 2-(tetrazol-5-yl)alkanoic acid derivatives with lead tetraacetate. A novel method of preparation of alk-2-ynyl ketones and alk-2-ynoic acid derivatives †

The majority of tetrazolylacetyl derivatives 2 and 7, when treated with lead tetraacetate in dry 1,4-dioxane at room or lower temperature, are oxidized with elimination of molecular nitrogen mainly to the corresponding alkynoyl derivatives 4 and 8, respectively. Vinylidenes (25) have been shown to be the intermediates of the reaction. The reaction does not take place when either the tetrazolyl group is N-substituted or the carbon atom separating the tetrazolyl and the carbonyl groups is disubstituted or these two groups are separated by two carbon atoms as in compound 17. The reaction offers a convenient method for the conversion of 2-cyanoacetyl derivatives into alk-2-ynoyl derivatives via intermediate tetrazolylacetyl derivatives. The 4-methoxyanilide 7o reacts differently, affording the fused heterocyclic compounds 19o and 20o.