Azlactone Synthesis. 2-Phenyl-2-Oxazolin-5-One

Abstract

2-Phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (3) has been used as an intermediate in the synthesis of α-amino acids¹, derivatives of α-amino acids,² and peptides.³ Procedures for the dehydration/cyclization of hippuric acid (1) leading to the isolation of azlactone 3, have been reported using acetic anhydride,⁴ phosphorus trihalides⁵, and N, N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.⁶ We report herein an alternative, high yield procedure utilizing a water soluble carbodiimide.