Intermediates of the formula VI: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, inclusive, wherein R.sub.2 is hydrogen, fluoro, or chloro; wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen or fluoro with the proviso that R.sub.3 is not fluoro, if R.sub.2 is chloro; wherein R.sub.4 is hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethyl, or nitro; and wherein X is chloro, bromo, or iodo, are produced by a multistep process. The compounds VI serve as intermediates for final compounds which are tranquilizers and sedatives and as such useful in mammals and birds.
6-Phenyl-S-triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepines bearing in the 8-position a hydroxyamino or azoxy substituent are disclosed together with processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates used in these processes. These triazolobenzodiazepines are useful as muscle relaxant, anti-convulsant and sedative agents.