3-phenyl-2-piperazinyl-5H-1-benzazepines and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated for potential neuroleptic activity. The preparation of these compounds was carried out by 2,3-dichlorination of 3-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-2-ones with phosphoruspentachloride followed by amination and concurrent dehydrochlorination. Compounds having the 4-chloro or 4-fluoro substituent in the 3-phenyl