The use of a Mitsunobu reagent for the formation of heterocycles: a simple method for the preparation of 3-alkyl-5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-ones from carboxylic acids.

The reaction of carboxylic acids with Mitsunobu reagents, prepared by the reaction of triphenylphosphine with dialkyl azodicarboxylates, followed by heating at 180-190 °C under solvent-free conditions, afforded 3-alkyl-5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-ones. This facile and convenient method readily provides the 1,3,4-oxadiazolone ring systems in good yields using a one-pot protocol starting from the corresponding carboxylic acids. It was also demonstrated that the presence of a catalytic base facilitates the final ring closure forming the 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-one.