Synthesis of 2-amino-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles using 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin as oxidant

A scalable synthesis of 5-substituted-2-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles via oxidation of a thiosemicarbazide precursor is described. The thiosemicarbazide intermediates are easily accessed from the corresponding acid chlorides. Oxidative cyclization using 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin as the primary oxidant, in the presence of potassium iodide, gives a variety of oxadiazoles in good yields. This methodology utilizes a commercially inexpensive and easily handled oxidant.