Synthesis of 4-Pyridyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones

4-Pyridyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones were obtained by the condensation of ethyl nicotinoyl- or isonicotinoylacetates with o-phenylenediamine. Alkylation of the pyridylbenzodiazepinones with ethyl iodide under phase-transfer catalysis conditions occurred at the amide nitrogen of the heterocycle, whereas in nitromethane it occurred at the nitrogen of the pyridine substituent. Bromination with N-bromosuccinimide occurred at position 3 of the heterocycle. Pyridyldibenzodiazepinones underwent thermal rearrangement to derivatives of vinylbenzimidazole.