Synthesis of nitro-substituted 4-methyl-2,3-dihydro- and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,5-benzo-2-diazepinones

The nitration of 4-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzo-2-diazepinone gives the 7 nitro derivative. The 8-nitro isomer was obtained from 4-nitro-1,2-phenylenediamine. The catalytic hydrogenation of the nitrobenzodiazepinones gives the 7- and 8-amino derivatives. The nitrobenzodiazepinones exist in the enol form in alkaline media.