Abstract The reaction of methyl ester of N-(2, 4-dinitrophenyl) glycine (I) with sodium methoxide produces 5-nitro-2 (3H) benzimidazolone (III). The product identity has been proved by its isolation from the reaction mixture under conditions similar to those of kinetic experiments and by independent synthesis. The reaction of methyl ester of N-methyl-N-(2, 4- dinitrophenyl) glycine with methoxide proceeds in two steps, the second one being ...