Synthesis and biological activity of 2-(bis((1,3,4-oxadiazolyl/1,3,4-thiadiazolyl)methylthio)methylene)malononitriles

► The reactivity of ketene dithiolates in the presence of different equivalents of sodium ethoxide was studied. ► The mild reaction conditions, selectivity, good yields and straight forward product isolation were discussed. ► The antimicrobial activity indicates that thiadiazoles is more active than oxadiazoles. ► The compounds having 1,3,4-oxadiazole unit exhibited high antioxidant property.