Copper-Catalyzed One-Pot Synthesis of 2,5-Disubstituted 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles from Arylacetic Acids and Hydrazides Dual Oxidation.

A simple and efficient protocol has been developed to access symmetrical and unsymmetrical 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles from arylacetic acids and hydrazides copper-catalyzed dual oxidation under an oxygen atmosphere. Oxidative decarboxylation of arylacetic acids and oxidative functionalization of the imine C-H bond are the key steps. This is the first example of the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles through dual oxidation in one-pot. Avoidance of the expensive ligand and high yield of the products are advantageous features of the developed method.