Polytriazoles have been shown recently to be useful ligands in the Cu(I)-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of azides and alkynes.1 These ligands stabilize the Cu(I) species allowing efficient catalysis in aerobic, aqueous conditions. Since such ligands are prepared by the reaction they are used to facilitate, an autocatalytic effect is observed in their synthesis. Tristriazole 1 was prepared in the manner prescribed in reference 1 and used as a ligand in the [3+2] cycloaddition on protein surfaces (Scheme 1).2,3
See figure in Figures section.