OPTICALLY ACTIVE 1-(4-NITROPHENYL)-4-METHYL-7,8-METHYLENEDIOXY-3,4-DIHYDRO-5H-2,3-BENZODIAZEPINE AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING SAME

摘要

The invention relates to the (+)- and (-)-enantiomers of the compounds of formula (I) as well as a process for the preparation of these enantiomers. This process comprises reducing 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H^_-2,3-benzodiazepine of formula (II) by using an adduct formed from an (R)- or (S)-, respectively, 2-amino-1,1-diphenyl-alkan-1-ol derivative of general formula (III), wherein R1 and R2, which are different, stand for a straight or branched chain C1-4 alkyl group or an unsubstituted phenyl or benzyl group, with one molar equivalent of borane or a borane complex. The enantiomers of the compound of formula (I) are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of therapeutically active compounds.