1,2,4-Oxadiazole as a potential scaffold in agrochemistry: a review

N,O-containing heterocycles have been incorporated into various approved pesticides and pesticide candidates. The persistent challenge in contemporary crop protection lies in the continuous pursuit of novel N,O-heterocycle-containing compounds with pesticidal properties. Among them, the 1,2,4-oxadiazole scaffold is one of the most extensively explored heterocycles in new pesticide discovery and development. This review focuses on elucidating the molecular design strategy employed along with highlighting the bioactivity of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives since 2012. Throughout this time frame, tioxazafen and flufenoxadiazam have emerged as prominent examples in which 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives were utilized as the core active structure within numerous applications. Additionally, the preparation methods for substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives are elaborated upon, and their potential value within agrochemistry is discussed.