<p>Benzodiazocines corresponding to the formula <IMAGE> are converted to benzodiazepines corresponding to the formula <IMAGE> of claim 1 by subjecting the benzodiazocine (a) if it is halogen-substituted in the 3-position to a thermal treatment which may also take place in the presence of a nucleophilic agent for the reaction or (b) if the 3-position is hydroxy substituted to treatment with a Lewis acid which is a chlorinating or brominating agent. Whenever the diazepine obtained as the final product has a 2-halogenomethyl group it may then be converted to benzodiazepine which is otherwise substituted in the 2-position.</p>
