Catalyst-free reactions of anilines with β-chloroenones: synthesis of α-chloroenaminones and 1,4-benzodiazepines.

The Michael addition of anilines to β-chloroenones gives enaminones by the elimination of hydrochloric acid (HCl). These enaminones are transformed into α-chloroenaminones sp C-H functionalization. Anilines that are attached to an electron-donating group react more readily with β-chloroenone to give the corresponding products in excellent yields.