Abstract The oxidation of 3-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-5-pentyl-2-isoxazoline with N- bromosuccinimide followed by hydrolysis of the oxidation product furnished 3-(4- hydroxyphenyl)-5-pentyl-isoxazole. Its esterification or benzylation afforded the target liquid- crystalline 3-aryl-5-pentyl-isoxazoles.