1,3-Oxazolidin-4-ones. Synthesis and configuration of cis and trans isomers

Mixtures of cis and trans 1,3-oxazolidin-4-ones were obtained by cyclodehydration, in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid or boron trifluoride etherate, of lactamide and N-methyl-lactamide with aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. The products were separated by column (silica) chromatography and their configurations were determined.