An efficient transition-metal-free method for the synthesis of 5-trifluoromethyltetrazoles from arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates is reported, which relies on the use of trifluoroacetaldehyde N-tosylhydra-zone as a convenient 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane source. The reaction proceeds in good to excellent yields and shows a high functional group tolerance.CO 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.