Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of formula (IV): ##STR1## comprising a) contacting an oxazoline compound of formula (I): ##STR2## wherein Z is as defined hereinbefore, with a reagent capable of causing an equilibrium between oxazoline compound (I) and an oxazoline compound of formula (II) described herein, and the reagent drives the equilibrium toward oxazoline compound (II) by preferential precipitation of oxazoline compound (II);b) contacting compound (II) with a fluorinating agent to give a fluorinated oxazoline compound of formula (III) described herein; andc) hydrolyzing the compound of formula (III) to formula (IV). In an alternative embodiment, the process is directed toward a process for preparing oxazoline (II) in a single step.