The syntheses of tetracyclic 1,5-benzoxazepines 3a-e from heterocyclic (3-chloroaldehydes 1a-e and 2-aminophenol are reported herein (Scheme I). Attempted lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) reduction of the imine double bond in 3a-e failed to furnish the corresponding saturated compounds 5a-e. Attempted catalytic hydrogenation of 3a-e in the presence of acetic acid and acetic anhydride gave surprisingly