Ultrasonics in isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions: A new, efficient and fast method for the synthesis of fully substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives under ultrasound irradiation

•The best results were obtained in CH3CN by ultrasound (100 W) in 15 min.•The results show that ultrasound is much more efficient than magnetic stirring.•The products were synthesized and characterized by melting point, IR, NMR and MS.•We have developed a convenient method for synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles.

A fast and convenient approach to the synthesis of fully substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles via three-component reaction of aromatic carboxylic acids, acenaphthoquinone, and (N-isocyanimino)triphenylphosphorane under ultrasound irradiation is described. Furthermore, a series of compounds were synthesized and characterized by melting point, IR, NMR and MS. Utilization of easy reaction conditions, very high to excellent yields, and short reaction times makes this manipulation potentially very useful.