Synthesis and in vitro anti-tumor activity of new oxadiazole thioglycosides

► We have achieved a facile, convenient and high yielding synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo-1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives having cyclic and acyclic carbohydrate residues through S-glycosidic bond formation. ► Pharmacological evaluation of the newly synthesized compounds against 2-cell lines MCF-7 (breast) and HEPG2 (liver) revealed them to possess high or moderate anti-tumor activities. ► None of the tested compounds presented any toxicity in doses ranging from 50 to 500 mg kg−1 of the animal body weight. The lethal doses (LD50) of tested compounds are > 500 mg/kg b. wt.