Molecular-crystal structure of 5-methyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

5-Methyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, which is an antagonist of 5-aryl-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones, was subjected to a complete x-ray diffraction study. The crystals have monoclinic syngony witha = 11.456(5), b = 8.195(3), c = 9.257(4) Å, = 93.10(3) °, and space group P2₁/b. The nonplanar molecules (with a boat conformation) form cyclic dimers by means of NH...O hydrogen bonds (2.937 Å) in the vicinity of the center of symmetry (0, 0, 1/2). Replacement of the phenyl ring in the 5 position by a less bulky methyl group does not lead to appreciable changes in the geometry and conformation of the heteroring. It is assumed that the substituent in the 5 position plays a role in determining the character of the pharmacological action of 1,4-benzodiazepines.Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 7, pp. 985–988, July, 1982.