Condensation of colchicinoids and isocolchicinoids with amidines in dry benzene affords regioselectively 1, 3-diazaazulene derivatives: ipso-substitution-condensation products (eg 7) are best obtained from cycloheptatrienone-ring deactivated substrates (eg 4), whereas isomeric tele-substitution-condensation products (eg 13), are best accessible from cycloheptatrienone-ring activated substrates (eg 10). Hydroxylic solvents inhibit tele- ...