Synthesis of 3,5-Disubstituted-4,5-dihydroindeno[1,2-c] [1,2]diazepin-6(1H)-ones

3,5-Disubstituted 4,5-dihydroindeno1,2-c]1,2]diazepin-6 (1H)-ones ( 3a–g ) were obtained in 29–72% yields by condensing 2-(substituted-2-acylethyl)-1,3-indandiones ( 1a–n ) with hydrazine. The NH group of the indenodiazepinones 3a–g is quite unreactive. Two methods based on the Michael reaction were used for preparing the acylethylindandiones 1a–n : one from 1,3-indandione and chalcone-type compounds and the other from 2-benzylidene-1,3-indandione and acetophenones. The latter method was found more practical and of more general application.