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 cede ammonium nitrate and methanol.