Methyl glyoxylate adducts of N-Boc-protected allylic amines cyclize in the presence of catalytic Pd(OAc)2 and excess Cu(OAc)2 in DMSO to 5-(1-alkenyl)-2-(methoxycarbonyl)oxazolidines. These heterocycles are readily converted to unsaturated N-Boc-protected beta-amino alcohols through anodic oxidation and mild hydrolysis.