The reactivity pattern of alpha -isocyanoacetates can be tuned by modulating the acidity of the alpha C-H bond(s) against the nucleophilicity of the conjugate base. Three-component synthesis of 5-methoxyoxazoles and four-component synthesis of furopyrrolones involving Me alpha -(p-nitrophenyl)-alpha -isocyanoacetate (I) are described. E.g., reaction of I, morpholine, and cyclohexanal gave 92% 5-methoxyoxazole II. [on SciFinder (R)]