Abstract Cyclization of the semicarbazones to 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole using ceric ammonium nitrate as oxidant was studied. 2-Imino-1, 3, 4-oxadiazolines can be produced from semicarbazones, which undergo thermolysis to amides. Benzoic acid benzylidene hydrazide can also be cyclized to 2-methoxy-2-phenyl-1, 3, 4-oxadiazole in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate and methanol.
