Metal Catalyzed Synthesis of Dihydropyridobenzodiazepines

A versatile synthesis of dihydropyridobenzodiazepines that proceeds via a palladium-catalyzed C–N coupling and catalytic hydrogenation cascade is reported. The intermediate 2-anilinonicotinaldehydes may be efficiently protected to ultimately afford N6 differentiated dihydropyridobenzodiazepines, which facilitates further elaboration