The base catalyzed cyclization of N-aryl and N-alkyl-O-propargyl carbamates is studied in detail. The effect of various bases and solvents on the efficacy of this cyclization reaction is analyzed and a new base–solvent system (LiOH in DMF) for effective cyclization of these carbamates is reported. A number of differentially substituted O-propargyl carbamates were cyclized to the corresponding 2-oxazolidinones