(Diacetoxyiodo)benzene Mediated Oxidative Conversion of Erlenmeyer Azlactones to 2‐Substituted Oxazolines Under Basic Conditions: Synthesis of 4‐Methoxy‐2‐phenyl‐5‐aryl‐4,5‐dihydrooxazole‐4‐carboxylate

One‐pot two stage oxidative transformation of Erlenmeyer azlactones to diversely substituted oxazoline derivatives have been accomplished using treatment with sodium methoxide followed by the reaction with trivalent iodine reagent such as (diacetoxyiodo)benzene as oxidant. The mild reaction conditions, metal‐free oxidative conversion, readily accessible starting materials and operational convenience are the important features of the methodology. One‐pot two stage oxidative transformation of Erlenmeyer azlactones to diversely substituted oxazoline derivatives have been accomplished using treatment with sodium methoxide followed by the reaction with trivalent iodine reagent such as (diacetoxyiodo)benzene as oxidant. The mild reaction conditions, metal‐free oxidative conversion, readily accessible starting materials and operational convenience are the important features of the methodology.