Abstract A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of 2-aryl-4-bromomethyl-5-methyl-1, 3-oxazoles 2 and 2-aryl-4-chloromethyl-5-methyl-1, 3-oxazoles 3 is described. The reaction of 2-aryl-4, 5-dimethyl-1, 3-oxazoles 1 with N-bromosuccinimide and N-chlorosuccinimide in acetonitrile under mild conditions provides 4-halomethyl isomers with exceptionally high regioselectivity in moderate to good yields.