Crystal structure of β-benzyl DL-aspartate N-carb­oxyanhydride

In the title racemic compound, C12H11NO5 [systematic name: benzyl 2-(2,5-dioxooxazolidin-4-yl)acetate], the oxazolidine ring is planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.03 Å. The benzyl ring is almost normal to the oxazolidine ring, making a dihedral angle of 80.11 (12)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers are formed between the L- and D-enanti­omers via pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. This arrangement is favourable for the polymerization of the compound in the solid state. The dimers are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the ab plane.