The Pd(0) catalysed cyclisation reactions between tert-butyl propargyl carbonates and 2-aminotosyl benzamides or sulphonamides deliver 1,4-benzodiazepin-5-ones or sultam derivatives, key components of many biologically active compounds. But 2-amino benzamides/sulphonamides require propargyl carbonates substituted at acetylenic carbon to undergo the reaction resulting in the stereoselective formation of the said products.