A multistep process is presented for the preparation of imidazobenzodiazepines of the formula wherein X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, nitro and trifluoromethyl, Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen and trifluoromethyl and R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl and arylAlso presented are novel intermediates utilized in the process.The end products are useful as sedatives, anxiolytics, muscle relaxants and anticonvulsants.The end products are especially useful in intravenous compositions for use in preoperative anesthesia.