The [2+ 3] cycloaddition between various nitriles and sodium azide proceeds smoothly in the presence of zeolite and sulfated zirconia as effective catalysts, in water and DMF/MeOH, to give the corresponding 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles in good to high yields. The reaction most probably proceeds through the in situ formation of catalyst azide species, followed by a successive [2+ 3] cycloaddition with the nitriles. This method has the advantages of high ...