The reaction of some sodium alkoxides with 4,4-dichloro-1,1-diphenyl-2-azab
uta-1,3-diene is described. Whereas sodium methoxide, ethoxide or isopropox
ide leads to 1,3-bis(alkoxyl)- and/or 1,3,4-tris(alkoxy)-2-azabut-2-enes, t
he sodium salt of ethyl glycolate gives a Delta(2)-oxazoline. Mechanisms fo
r the formation of these products are proposed.