Intramolecular N-arylation in heterocyclization: synthesis of new pyrido-fused pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepinones

Alkylation of l-prolinamide with 3-(chloromethyl)-2-halopyridines, followed by cyclization through an intramolecular Pd-catalysed amidation, provided an entry to the pyrido[2,3-e]pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepin-10-one scaffold. Furthermore, a synthetic route towards diverse new pyrido[f]pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]diazepin-7-ones has been developed by acylation of contiguously substituted (aminomethyl)halopyridines with Boc-l-proline followed by intramolecular amination.