3 - amino - 5 - isoxazole , in optimum yield , is prepared in a stepwise manner by reacting a lower alkyl pivalate and acetonitrile in the presence of a base to yield pivalyl acetonitrile , which in turn is allowed to react with hydroxylamine under controlled conditions of ph to yield the desired compound . the compound is a useful intermediate for the preparation of isoxazole derivatives having utility as herbicides .