Disclosed is a process for the synthesis of a compound of formula I (a 7,8-dimethoxy-1,3-dihydro-2H-3-benzazepin-2-one) from the reduction of a 7,8-dimethoxy-benzazepine-2,4(3H,5H)-dione of formula VII. Also disclosed is the use of this process in the synthesis of ivabradine. Further disclosed are two intermediates from the synthesis, the compound of formula VIII 3-{ 3-[{ [(7S)-3,4-dimethoxybicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-7-yl]methyl} (methyl)amino]-propyl} -7,8-dimethoxy-1H-3-benzazepine-2,4(3H,5H)-dione and also the compound of formula XIV { 2-[2-({ 3-[{ [(7S)-3,4-dimethoxybicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-7-yl]methyl} (methyl)-amino]propyl} amino)-2-oxoethyl]-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl} acetic acid.