A Multicomponent Approach to Oxazolidinone Synthesis Catalyzed by Rare‐Earth Metal Amides

Abstract Three‐component reaction of epoxides, amines, and dimethyl carbonate catalyzed by rare‐earth metal amides has been developed to synthesize oxazolidinones. 47 examples of 3,5‐disubstituted oxazolidinones were prepared in 13–97 % yields. This is a simple and most practical method which employs easily available substrates and catalysts, and is applicable to a wide range of aromatic and aliphatic amines, as well as mono‐substituted epoxides. Scope of disubstituted epoxides is rather limited, which requires further study. Preliminary mechanistic study reveals two possible reaction pathways through intermediates of β‐amino alcohols or amides.