A simple synthesis of 2(3H)-benzoxazolones using phenyl chloroformate

2(3H)-Benzoxazolones 3 can be prepared directly from the corresponding 2-aminophenols and phenyl chloroformate. The intermediate 2-hydroxy phenylcarbamates 2 are formed easily in aqueous alcohol solvent and these are converted rapidly to product, without their isolation, using one equivalent of sodium hydroxide. The synthesis accommodates a wide variety of substituents, including the easily hydrolyzed ethyl ester.