A novel synthesis of imidazo[4,5-d]azepine 5 from alpha-diketone is de
scribed. This is achieved either via acyloin condensation of the diest
er 3 followed by addition of trimethylsilylchloride or by condensation
of the azepino-diketone 7 with S-methylisothiourea. Dissolved metal r
eduction of conjugated diene 8 to olefine was studied.