Silver nitrate-promoted ring enlargement of 1-tribromomethyl-1,2-dihydro- and 1-tribromomethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline derivatives: application to the synthesis of the anti-anginal zatebradine

The one step AgNO3-mediated ring enlargement of 1-tribromomethyl-1,2-dihydro- and 1-tribromomethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline derivatives into 1,2-dihydro- and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-benzo[d]azepin-2-ones, respectively, is reported. This reaction offers a convenient entry to potentially active substances such as the anti-anginal zatebradine.