The present invention concerns compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen or halogen; R.sub.1 is hydrogen, halogen or trifluoromethyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, --COO lower alkyl or CON(R.sub.4).sub.2 wherein R.sub.4 is lower alkyl or hydrogen and may be differentAnd the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.Also provided are methods for the preparation of these compounds as well as pharmaceutical formulations which contain the active compounds of this invention. The compounds of the formula illustrated above are useful as anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants and sedative agents.