A series of new 5-substituted 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles has been synthesised and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity. The compounds were prepared by the reaction of the sulphinylbis(2,4-dihydroxythiobenzoyl) (STB) wit hydrazides or carbazates. The panel substitution included alkyl, alkoxy, aryl and heteroaryl derivatives. The structures of compounds were identified from the elemental, IR, H-1 NMR and MS spectra analysis. The highest antiproliferative activity against the cells of human cancer lines for 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)-1,3,4-thiadiazole was found with ID50 values comparable (HCV29T and SW707) or significantly lower T47D) than for cisplatin applied as the reference compound. The influence of 5-substiution type of 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles on antiproliferative activity is discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.