| abstract |
Compounds of the formula wherein X and Y are each hydrogen, halogen with an atomic number of at most 35 or trifluoromethyl and n is 0 or 1, can be prepared by a new process according to which a compound of the general formula in which X and Y have the above meaning and Z represents a hydroxyamino, an amino or a protected amino group, treated under acidic conditions with a mercury (II) salt or in the presence of water with a strong acid if Z is a protected amino group, the protective group is split off and if a compound of the formula I in which n is 0 is obtained, if desired, this compound is oxidized to a compound of formula I, wherein n is 1.n n n The compounds of formula I are useful as intermediates in the preparation of pharmacologically active 2-benzazepine derivatives. The starting products of formula II and certain precursors for their preparation and certain intermediates in the above process are also new. |