The x-ray diffraction structure analyses of the L-enantiomeric and racemic forms of the 2-(1'-benzyloxycarbonylamino-1'-methyl) ethyl-4-benzyl-oxazol-5(4H)-one, the Goodman oxazolone, have been performed. In the crystal state the oxazolone ring of the enantiomeric compound is nearly sandwiched between the two phenyl rings, whereas in the racemate the phenyl ring of the N alpha-protecting group moves away from the oxazolone ring.