Abstract: The present invention provides processes for the preparation of 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 10a-octahydro-7bH-cyclopenta[b][1, 4]diazepino[6, 7, 1-hi]indole derivatives of the general formula: wherein: R is H, alkyl, acyl, or aroyl; R1, R2, R4 and R5 are H, OH, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy s, halogen, fluorinated alkyl, —CN, —NH—SO2-alkyl, —SO2—NH-alkyl, alkyl amide, amino, alkylamino s, dialkylamino, fluorinated alkoxy, acyl, aryl, or aroyl; R3 is H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, fluorinated alkyl, —NH—SO2-alkyl, —SO2—NH-alkyl, alkyl amide, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, fluorinated alkoxy, acyl, aryl, or aroyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which are useful in the treatment of central nervous system disorders.