The new organocatalyst amine-iodine-iodide complex (DBUHI3) was prepared and used as a catalyst for the synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles in moderate to good yields from inexpensive, commercially available and eco-friendly ammonium acetate as a nitrogen source, 1,2-diketones and substituted aromatic aldehydes. The direct one-step multicomponent efficient synthesis was achieved with remarkable green advantages offered by this protocol such as short reaction time, the broad scope of a substrate, and simple experimental procedure.

In this communication, condensation from different aromatic, aliphatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes, hydroxyl amine, and sodium azide in toluene reflux was used to produce electronically and structurally distinct tetrazoles with a range of yields 5-94%. Zn(OAc)2•2H2O (10 mol%) was used as a catalyst in the synthesis, which was eco-friendly, readily available, and affordable. The IR, NMR, and mass spectral studies were utilized in order to carry out a comprehensive characterization for all the 5-aryl tetrazole derivatives. This approach contributes to the current chemical synthesis of 5-substituted-1H-tetrazoles in an appealing and convenient manner thanks to its quick reaction times, good to exceptional yields, safe process, and straightforward workup.