2-alkyl-2-formamido-N 1,N 3-bis(aryl)malonamides were isolated. The formation of both types of products is expected to include a cyclization to 2-alkoxyoxazol-5(4H)-ones, acting as precursor for the hydantoins, or a further transformation to N-carboxy anhydrides, their chloride-promoted ring opening, and subsequent conversion to give the bis(aryl)malonamides. Diethyl 2-alkyl-2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)malonates