ChemInform Abstract: A SYNTHETIC ROUTE TO 5-ARYL-2-OXAZOLIDINONE DERIVATIVES

5-Aryl-2-oxazolidinones have been synthesized readily by the elimination of dimethylamine from the corresponding (2-hydroxyethyl)ureas. The ureas are obtainable by the photoreaction of tetramethylurea with para-substituted benzaldehydes (Method A) or with para-substituted methyl benzoates (Method B). The electronic character of the substituent on the benzene ring determines which method is suitable for the preparation of (2-hydroxyethyl)ureas.