Preparation of 2-(1-chloroalkyl)-4,5-dimethyloxazoles and (E)-2-Alkenyl-4,5dimethyloxazoles

2-(1-Chloroalkyl)-4,5-dimethyloxazoles were prepared in 84-91% yields by simultaneous reduction and regioselective chlorination of the corresponding unstable N-oxides with POCl3 or SOCl2. Dehydrochlorination of 2-(1-chloroalkyl)-4,5-dimethyloxazoles with potassium hydroxide afforded (E)-2-alkenyl-4,5-dimethyloxazoles in 71-90% yields