An efficient synthesis of conjugated 5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles from 3-heteroarylacrylohydrazides and acid chlorides

New derivatives of 5-aryl-2-[2-(2-furyl)ethenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 5-aryl-2-[2-(2-thienyl)ethenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazoles are synthesized in a stepwise procedure through intermediate acyclic N′-arylcarbonyl-N-[2-(2-heteroaryl)acryloyl]hydrazines, starting from 3-(2-heteroaryl)acrylic acid hydrazides and acid chlorides. A facile one-pot methodology leading to the final 1,3,4-oxadiazoles is also described.