Stereoselective synthesis of anti-2-oxazolidinones by Ph3P–CCl4–Et3N mediated SN2 cyclization of N-Boc-β-amino alcohols

Ethyl anti-4-substituted phenyl-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-5-carboxylates were synthesized stereoselectively in excellent yields using the Ph3P–CCl4–Et3N system by SN2 cyclization of N-Boc-β-amino alcohols. syn to anti conversion of ethyl 4-substituted phenyl-2-oxo-1,3-oxazolidine-5-carboxylates using DBU as base is also described.