Samarium Diiodide Catalyzed Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydro‐1<i>H</i>‐benzo[<i>b</i>][1,4]‐diazepine Derivatives

Abstract

Abstract Samarium diiodide (SmI 2 ) was found to be an efficient catalyst for the condensation of o ‐phenylenediamine and ketones to afford the corresponding 2,3‐dihydro‐1 H ‐benzo[ b ][1,4]‐diazepines in moderate to excellent yields under very mild and solvent‐free conditions. The real active species here was suggested to be a Sm(III) intermediate formed in situ and the mechanism of the present reaction was proposed.