A convenient synthesis of 3,4-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazin-2-ones

3,4-Dihydro-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one was prepared for the first time by catalytic hydrogenation of 4-benzyl-3,4-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one. A simple and efficient synthesis of 4-benzyl- and 4-alkyl-3,4-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazin-2-one derivatives from ethyl 2-(2-hydroxyphenylamino)acetate and aldehydes is described. Some considerations regarding the reactivity of 3,4-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazin-2-ones are given.