ABSTRACT An efficient method for the synthesis of 3-amino-1H-quinolin-2-one is described. Condensation of o-nitrobenzaldehyde with hippuric acid gave 4-(2-nitrobenzylidene)-2-phenyloxazol-5-one. This compound was reduced to give 4-(2-aminobenzylidene)-2-phenyloxazol-5-one, which upon isomerization with light, cyclization and hydrolysis afforded the desired product.