Zn-modified mesoporous Mg–Al nanoplates oxides were prepared by co-precipitation and further characterized and used in the synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones from urea and epoxides under solvent-free conditions. The characterization results suggested that Zn_1.1Mg_2.0AlO_4.6, which featured more accessible active medium basic sites, were favorable for obtaining superior catalytic activity. This synthetic process is mild, convenient, simple and gives good yields up to 80%.