Synthesis of 4,5-dihydro-4-phenyl-3H-1,3,4-benzotriazepines

Several 4,5-dihydro-4-phenyl-3H-1,3,4-benzotriazepines were synthesized by conversion of 1-[(2-nitrophenyl)methyl]-1-phenylhydrazine to either 1-[(2-aminophenyl)methyl]-1-phenylhydrazine or 1-[(2-aminophenyl)-methyl]-2-methyl-1-phenylhydrazine. Ring closure of these intermediates with triethyl orthoacetate or triethyl orthopropionate gave the title compounds in overall yields of 40-60%.