Mild and convenient one-pot synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles

A mild, general, convenient, and efficient one-pot synthesis of 2-phenyl-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles is described. Both (hetero)aryl and alkyl carboxylic acids were efficiently condensed with benzohydrazide in the presence of TBTU to give diacylhydrazine intermediates. The latter underwent a smooth TsCl-mediated cyclodehydration reaction to afford 2-phenyl-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles in good to very good yields.