A one pot synthesis of [1,3,4]-oxadiazoles mediated by molecular iodine

A one-pot synthesis of 3-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles has been achieved from the corresponding dithiocarbamate salt, employing the thiophilic property of molecular iodine. The precursor thiosemicarbazides could be derived in situ which underwent an intramolecular cyclodesulfurization in the presence of iodine to afford 3-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles exclusively. Apart from being milder and environmentally sustainable, this method involves a simple, reliable approach to give good to excellent yields of the desired products and is compatible with a wide range of functional groups.