5-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)tetrazoles having substituents containing at least 5 aliphatic or alicyclic carbon atoms are prepared from the corresponding o-hydroxybenzyl cyanides with alkali metal azides. These tetrazoles are useful as extracting agents in liquid-liquid extraction processes for metals, especially copper. When used in such processes in combination with o-hydroxyaryl oximes they improve the extraction kinetics of the oximes.