Synthesis of 2-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles via sequential condensation and I2-mediated oxidative C–O/C–S bond formation.

2-Amino-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles were synthesized via condensation of semicarbazide/thiosemicarbazide and the corresponding aldehydes followed by I2-mediated oxidative C–O/C–S bond formation. This transition-metal-free sequential synthesis process is compatible with aromatic, aliphatic, and cinnamic aldehydes, providing facile access to a variety of diazole derivatives bearing a 2-amino substituent in an efficient and scalable fashion.