DMAP-catalyzed synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones from corresponding halohydrins using KOCN/DMF

We report facile and simple synthesis of a variety of 2-oxazolidinones from the corresponding halohydrins by reaction with KOCN in DMF catalyzed by DMAP. DMAP and temperature play key roles in enriching the yield of 2-oxazolidinones. A few examples in this Letter are applicable to pharmaceutically important processes.