A novel, reliable, and cost-effective synthetic route to
N-{4-[(2-methyl-4,5-dihydroimidazo[4,5-
d][1]benzazepin-6(1
H)-yl)carbonyl]phenyl}biphenyl-2-carboxamide monohydrochloride (
1, YM087),a potent
Arginine vasopressin antagonist, has been developed.Using moisture-controlled potassium carbonate, imidazoleformation from
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-bromoketone furnished imidazobenzazepine,avoiding potential oxazole-ring formation. Catalytic reductionof nitro imidazobenzazepine afforded the corresponding aminein high yields. Treatment of the imidazole-containing aminedirectly, with a carbonyl chloride, afforded the target amidecircumventing protection of the imidazole.