Abstract
We report an efficient and scalable synthesis of 5-(hydroxymethyl)oxazolidin-2-ones using tert-butyl carbonate as a nucleophile in a Boc(2)O-mediated epoxide ring-opening cascade. Optimization identified Et(3)N as key to high yields, with electron-withdrawing aryl groups further enhancing efficiency (up to 91%). Mechanistic studies support the nucleophilic role of tert-butyl carbonate. This versatile method enables access to pharmaceutically relevant compounds, including intermediates for Linezolid, highlighting its value in medicinal chemistry.