A simple and efficient synthesis of GYKI 52466 and GYKI 52895

The synthesis of 1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine (GYKI 52466. 1), the prototype of a series of noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonists, and its 3,4-dihydroderivative (GYKI 52895, 2) is described. The title compounds have been prepared starting from safrole through a quite effective procedure.