Synthesis of new triazolo[1,5-b][2,4]benzodiazepines via tandem cyclization of o-(azidomethyl)benzoates with cyanoacetamides

Based on the tandem anionic cyclization of o-(azidomethyl)benzoates with 2-cyanoacetamides, an efficient synthetic route to the hitherto unknown heterocyclic system, triazolo[1,5-b][2,4]benzodiazepine, has been developed. The optimum reaction conditions have been found which provide 59–74% yields of target compounds. Their structural determination has been performed by the IR, LCMS, and NMR spectral methods as well as by X-ray diffraction analysis.