An efficient procedure for the preparation of 7,8-dichloro-6-nitro-1 H-1,5-
benzodiazepine-2,4-(3H, 5H)-dione(7) as a potential lead compound for the N
MDA receptor glycine binding site antagonist, starting from readily availab
le 4,5-dichloro-2-nitroaniline(8), is described. The key step in the synthe
sis involves the cyclization of malonic ester amide 10 to compound 11.