The invention relates to improved process for making 5-(2-chlorophenyI)-l,3-dihydro-7-nitrobenzo(l,4)-diazepin-2-one namely Clonazepam from reacting 2-(2-chloroacetamido)-5-2-nitrobenzophenone with hexamine to from 2-(2-chloroacetamido)-5-2-nitrobenzophenone -Hexamine complex which further treated in presence of aq. solution of ammonium chloride in polar protic solvent to obtain clonazepam which finally crystallize in ester solvent to yield pure clonazepam.