Insight into the Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Structure-Activity Relationship of 1,2,4-Oxadiazole and Analogs: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract: A five-membered heterocyclic compound known as 1,2,4-oxadiazole has one oxygen, two carbon, and two nitrogen atoms within a ring. Numerous studies have shown that 1,2,4-oxadiazole has the potential to be an essential moiety in many harmful pharmacological conditions. 1,2,4-oxadiazole and its derivatives have been used as an antiviral, cough suppressant, vasodilator, anxiolytic, etc. To synthesize a single molecule with potent pharmacological action, two or more pharmacophores are combined currently. This enhances pharmacological effects, facilitates interaction possible with many targets, and reduces the adverse effects related to them. It has been reported that synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazole and its analog is possible using a variety of methods. In this present review, we emphasized recently accepted synthetic methods for 1,2,4-oxadiazole and its analogs synthesis. Additionally, the structure-activity relationship concerning several pharmacological effects, interactions with various targets, and the utility of different techniques for the analysis and purification has been described. On the behalf of the above study, the researchers can use this review study to better understand their 1,2,4-oxadiazole research in the future.