Synthesis and pharmacological properties of new derivatives of 4-methyl-5-oxalo-1H-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one and beta-oxo-5-(4-methyl-1H-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzodiazepin-2 -one)propionic acid.

5-Ethoxalyl 4-methyl-1H-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro 1,5-benzodiazepin-2 -one [I] and 5-ethoxymalonyl-4-methyl-1H-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzodiazepi n-2-one [IV] were subjected to transesterification using alcohols (propanol, butanol, pentanol) giving derivatives II-IV, VII, VIII. The derivatives I and VI were caused to undergo ammonolysis giving 4-methyl-5-oxamoyl-1H-2,3,4,5 tetrahydro 1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one [V] and 5-malonamoyl-4-methyl-1H-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzodiazepin++ +-2-one [IX]. The compounds I-IX were tested towards their psychotropic activity. The preparates I, III and V had an anxiolytic action in the four-plate test. The anxiolytic properties of the compound V were confirmed in the test of the black-white box. The antagonism of all investigated compounds for toward reserpine, first of all of the preparations III, IV, V and IX, indicates an antidepressive activity dependent on a stimulation of the adrenergic system.