Reactions of trichloromethylarenes with hydrazine derivatives. Synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles

The effect of the solvent on the course of the reaction between trichloromethylarenes and thioacylhydrazines or acylhydrazines has been considered. In alcohols as solvents, alkyl arenecarboxylates form as a result of alcoholysis, while 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-thiadiazoles (1,3,4-oxadiazoles) form as minor products. In pyridine solutions, the major or sole products are those of reductive condensation, i.e., the corresponding N-substituted hydrazones of arenecarbaldehydes. 1,3,4-Thiadiazole or 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives are obtained in good yield when the reaction is carried out in a pyridine-alkanol mixture.