Preparation, Reactivity, and Synthetic Utility of Simple Benzotriazole Derivatives

The benzotriazole fragment is known to behave as (1) an excellent leaving group, (2) an electron-donating or an electron-withdrawing group, (3) an anion precursor, and (4) a radical precursor. It confers unique physicochemical properties to its immediate vicinity on various molecular scaffolds. This review covers the preparation and synthetic utility of versatile benzotriazole derivatives.
The selected compounds are conveniently prepared from 1H-benzotriazole and are characterized by a huge synthetic potential. Their specific reactivity is discussed and illustrated with various examples ranging from methodology in organic chemistry to the total synthesis of complex structures.