Anodic Cyclization: A Protocol for the Green Synthesis of 2,5-Disubstituted 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles
An efficient and simple one-pot synthesis of chemically and pharmaceutically interesting 2,5-di-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles is reported. The protocol involves anodic oxidation of N′-aroyl-hydrazones of aromatic aldehydes using LiClO4 as supporting electrolyte in MeCN solution under controlled potential at room temperature. The products were characterized by spectroscopic methods, and the mechanism was deduced from voltammetry studies. The mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, and excellent yields are notable advantages of the developed protocol.