Observations on the Reaction of N-Alkyloxazolidines, Isocyanides and Carboxylic Acids: A Novel Three-Component Reaction Leading to N-Acyloxyethylamino Acid Amides

N-Alkyloxazolidines, readily prepared by condensation of the parent carbonyl compounds with beta-aminoalcohols, were found to undergo three-component reactions with isocyanides and carboxylic acids to give N-acyloxyethylamino acid derivatives in good yield. The reaction allows the variation of substituents at five different sites in the products through suitable choice of reagents.