Ring Enlargement Reaction of C,N-Cyclic-N′-acyl Azomethine Imines with Sulfonium Ylide: An Efficient Synthesis of 3-Benzazepine Derivatives

Highly efficient formation of 3-benzazepine derivatives has been achieved, based on the ring expansion reaction of C,N-cyclic-N'-acyl azomethine imines with sulfonium ylide generated in situ from the corresponding sulfonium salt. The reactions proceeded smoothly to afford the tricyclic 3-benzazepine derivatives in good to high yields. A wide range of C,N-cyclic N'-acyl azomethine imines were applicable to this reaction.