Oxidative cyclocarbortylation of beta-aminoalcohols and 2-aminophenol to synthesize corresponding 2-oxazolidinones catalyzed by a Pd/Cl-2 heterogeneous catalytic system has been developed which gave excellent selectivity and high turnover frequency (TOF) values 15 times larger than the best results previously reported. The catalyst could be reused for five times almost without losing its catalytic activity and selectivity. The effects of promoters, pretreatment, solvents, and reaction conditions have been investigated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.