The synthesis of N-tosylbenzopyran[2]benzazepinone 2 using a simple protoco
l for assembly of an azepine ring on the xanthene skeleton is described. Fo
rmation of the CC bond between C9 of the xanthen-9-ol 7 and the beta -C of
N-tosyl aminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal leads to 10, which upon treatment
with formaldehyde undergoes ring closure. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. A
ll rights reserved.