Abstract Condensation reactions of o-phenylenediamine and 2 equiv of acetone produce biaryl-substituted 1, 5-benzodiazepines. The synthetic protocol shows general applicability since similar reaction of o-phenylenediamines, o-aminophenol, and o-aminothiophenol with ketones or chalcones leads to formation of functionalized 1, 5-benzoheteroazepines in good to excellent yields. The synthetic protocol fulfills many green-chemical requirements using ...