Synthesis of Benzofuro[3,2-e][1,4]diazepines

A synthesis of 4-N-oxides and of 3-hydroxy derivatives of 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzofuro3,2-e]1,4]diazepin-2-ones and of 2,3-dihydro-1H-benzofuro3,2-e]1,4]diazepines is described. Condensation of 2-acetyl- and 2-benzoyl-3-ethoxycarbonylaminobenzofurans with acrylonitrile gave derivatives of 1,2-dihydro- and of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzofuro3,2-b]pyridine.