A process for the production of 2-alkyl- or alkenyl-2-oxazolines, in which the alkyl or alkenyl group may be a hydroxy-, dihydroxy- or hydroxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 -alkoxy-substituted hydrocarbon radical containing at least 7 carbon atoms, produces the subject compounds in high yields when C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 fatty acids or esters thereof are reacted with 2-amino-ethanol or ethanolamides of these fatty acids in the presence of titanium or zirconium compounds corresponding to the formula M(OR.sup.2).sub.4 wherein M=Ti or Zr.