Green synthesis of 1,2,4-thiadizoles from thioamides in water using molecular oxygen as an oxidant

We present here an efficient green process for the synthesis of 1,2,4-thiadiazoles via iodine-catalyzed,oxidative dimerization of thioamides in water using molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant. Under the optimized reaction conditions, aryl thioamides produced 3,5-diaryl-1,2,4-thiadiazoles in good to excellent yields. Alkyl thioamides and substituted thioureas could also provide corresponding 1,2,4-thiadiazole products.