A simple route to tetrahydro-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-ones bearing diverse N1, N4, and C10 functionalization

We describe an efficient synthesis of enantiopure tetrahydro-1,4-benzodiazepine-3-ones derived from l-alanine. Diverse substitution at N1, N4, and C10 can be achieved by coupling various N-alkyl derivatives of l-alanine and N-allyl-(2-fluoro-5-nitro)benzylamine. Cyclization of this intermediate proceeds in high yield and without racemization, providing diversity at N1. The NO₂ group was easily transformed into other functional groups or removed, providing diversity at C10. Finally, oxidative deallylation allows diverse substitution to be installed at N4.