Synthesis of Optically Active Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted 2,3‐Dihydroimidazo[2,1‐b]oxazoles.

An intramolecular cyclization of enantiopure N(1)-(2-hydroxylpropyl)imidazole N-oxides, prepared by cyclocondensation of hydroxyethanols, formaldehyde, and α-ketoximes in the presence of acetic anhydride provides trifluoromethylated 2,3-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]oxazoles with retention of stereochemistry.