Metal-free [3+2] cycloaddition of azides with Tf2C=CH2 for the regioselective preparation of elusive 4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-1,2,3-triazoles.

1,2-Dipole Tf2C=CH2 is generated in situ and immediately reacts at room temperature with an azide to afford previously unknown 4-trifluoromethanesulfonyl 1,2,3-triazoles through a stepwise [3+2] cycloaddition reaction. Noteworthily, this mild and powerful uncatalyzed protocol is highly regio- and chemoselective.