Abstract Substituted 10, 11-dihydro-5H-dibenz [b, f] azepines are key synthons in the syntheses of a number of pharmaceutically active compounds such as imipramine, chlorimipramine, and desimipramine analogues. A facile synthesis of substituted 10, 11- dihydro-5H-dibenz [b, f] azepines is described, starting out from com mercially available 2- bromotoluenes or 2-nitrotoluenes. Initial α-bromination with N-bromosuccinimide and ...