chloroacetate to give ethyl [4-(alkylthio) phenoxy] acetate ( 2a–b ) which on oxidation yielded ethyl [4-(alkylsulfonyl)phenoxy]acetate ( 2c–d ). They were readily converted to the corresponding hydrazides 3a–d , and then cyclized to the title compounds 2-[4-(alkylthio/alkylsulfonyl) phenoxy] methyl}-5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles ( 4a–y ) by condensing with aromatic carboxylic acids. Further, 3a–b , on condensation