An expedient synthesis of 3-amino-1,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one

Racemic 3-amino-1,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, 2, was prepared in four steps utilizing a novel mercuric ion assisted ammonia displacement of an N-acyl alkylthioglycine amide 5 .