This invention provides a process for the preparation of a 5-methylene-1,3-oxazoline from an alkyl ketone by reacting the alkyl ketone with an acetylating agent and an acid catalyst in an appropriate solvent and at an appropriate temperature. The resulting 5-methylene-1,3-oxazoline can be chlorinated and subsequently hydrolyzed to form an .alpha.-chloroketone which is useful as a fungicide.