Synthesis of tetrazines from gem-difluoroalkenes under aerobic conditions at room temperature

An efficient and green procedure for the synthesis of tetrazines has been developed based on an old chemistry reported by Carboni in 1958. Both symmetric and asymmetric 3,6-disubstituted 1,2,4,5-tetrazines can be obtained in moderate to high yields from the corresponding gem-difluoroalkenes under aerobic conditions at room temperature. This work represents a rare example that ambient air is utilized as an oxidant for the synthesis of tetrazines.