The reaction of 2-(alkylamino) alcohols and ethyl 2-chloroacetoacetate in the presence of sodium alkoxides proceeds with unexpected formation of 2-hydroxy-2-(2-methyloxazolidin-2-yl)acetic esters instead of the aza analogues of carboxin (5,6-dihydro-1,4-oxazines) as previously reported in the literature.