1,4-Benzodiazepines III . Cyclization paths of hexaminium salts of 2-chioroacetamido-5-ehlorobenzophenone and its N-methyl derivative

This study reports the isolation and characterization of hexaminium salts of 2-chloroacetamido-5-chlorobenzophenone (I) and of 2-(N-methyl)chloroacetamido-5-chlorobenzophenone (II). The 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (VI) and 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-meth-yI-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (VII), respectively are of pharmacodynamic importance. Based on chromatographic separation of some intermediates, and on spectrophotometric monitoring of cyclizations I → VI and II → VII, respectively, two different pathways for these reactions have been proposed. Since the slowest step in the reaction sequence II → VII follows the quasi first order rate law, intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the benzophenone carbonyl group on the hexamine moiety proved to be decisive for the cyclization (scheme II). However, cyclization I → VI seems to incorporate quite different solvolytic pathways in addition to one corresponding to the sequence II → VII. Isolated 4-imidazolidinone intermediates N,N' -methylene-bis3-{2 -benzoyl-4-chIoro)phenyI]-4-imidazolidinone(III), and 3-(2 -benzoyl-4′-chlorophenyI)-4-imidazolidinone hydrochloride (IV) recyclize into the 1,4-benzodiazepine VI. The optimal reaction conditions have been found to be between pH 6-7.