[Research on agents with antineoplastic activity. LXIII. Anthramycin and analogous compounds. X. Synthesis of 11-phenyl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4] benzodiazepine derivatives].

Reaction between arolychlorides and 1-(2-aminobenzyl)-2-cyanopyrrole afforded the corresponding aroylamides, which were transformed by intramolecular cyclization into 11-aryl-3-cyano-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4] benzodiazepines. Hydrolysis of cyanoderivatives furnished the corresponding amides or acids depending on the reaction conditions. Decarboxylation and reduction of some derivatives to afford 11-aryl-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4] benzodiazepines and 11-aryl-3-cyano-10,11-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4] benzodiazepines are described.