In this three-component reaction, alkynes undergo a copper (I)-catalyzed cycloaddition with sodium azide and formaldehyde to yield 2-hydroxymethyl-2 H-1, 2, 3-triazoles, which are useful intermediates that can be readily converted to polyfunctional molecules. The hydroxymethyl group can also be removed, providing convenient access to NH-1, 2, 3- triazoles. The reaction is experimentally simple and readily scalable.
