Recent Advances in the Chemistry of 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles

1,2,4-Oxadiazoles experienced an almost 80-year long period of scientific lethargy before they tickled the curiosity of chemists. The study of chemical and photochemical reactivity of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles opened the way to a series of applications in heterocyclic synthesis. Today, 1,2,4-oxadiazoles are known in medicinal chemistry for their use as bioisosters of esters and amides. Furthermore, fluorinated 1,2,4-oxadiazoles have been applied in materials science either by themselves or for the targeted modification of polymers and macromolecules. Overall, the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles can be planned to fine-tune their properties for featured applications. Their versatility, either as starting synthons or as target compounds, has boosted the number of studies involving 1,2,4-oxadiazoles in the last decade. This review presents a selection of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles applications in materials science and medicinal chemistry.