Structure–activity relationship studies performed around 3-fluoro-5-(5-pyridin-2-yl-2H- tetrazol-2-yl) benzonitrile for the purpose of developing novel mGlu5 receptor antagonists are described. Synthesis of a series of four-ring tetrazoles led to the discovery of 3-[3-fluoro- 5-(5-pyridin-2-yl-2H-tetrazol-2-yl) phenyl]-4-methylpyridine, a highly potent, brain penetrant, azole-based mGlu5 receptor antagonist.