O-Vinylamidoximes 2 are synthesized from amidoximes 1 and acetylene in supe
rbase systems (KOH/DMSO, KOH/NMP, NaOH/CsF/NMP) in a preparative yield of u
p to 80%. They decompose explosively above 150 degreesC, being resistant to
solvolysis in the KOH/DMSO system (100 degreesC, 3 h) and to polymerizatio
n (AIBN, UV). Trifluoroacetylation of O-vinylbenzamidoxime 2b with (CF3CO)(
2)O/pyridine gives 5-trifluoromethyl-3-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole (3) in 49% y
ield.