A one pot, three component synthesis of tetrazoles via thiourea has been accomplished in water. Water enhances the solubility of a higher number of components in the three component protocol thus promoting the reaction. The synthesis involves a chemoselective exocyclic reaction, regioselective electrocyclisation and a preferred conformational orientation of the tetrazole side chain which are rationalised based on the relative magnitude of Garbisch angle strain/allylic strains anticipated during the course of the reaction.