The 2-oxo functionalized title compound I was synthesised in 7 steps f
rom tryptamine via rearrangement of the bromoiminium ion 13 in alkalin
e medium to azepinone 14 with concomitant formation of ketone 15. The
ratio 14:15 was shown to depend on the nature of the hydroxide counter
-ion. Copyright (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd