A straightforward preparation of benzo[f]naphtho[b][1,4]oxazepines from TNT

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene readily reacts with 1-nitroso-2-naphthol to afford 9,11-dinitrobenzo[f]naphtho[2,1-b][1,4]oxazepine. The nitro groups of the latter undergo displacement by O- and S-nucleophiles with preferential substitution of the 11-NO2 (peri-nitro group). The structures of the substitution products are confirmed by X-ray diffraction and 1H NMR NOE experiments.