Methods for the preparation of 2-aminobenzophenone and its derivatives published from 1945 through 1979 are reviewed. The various synthetic schemes developed to date for 2-aminobenzophenones allow most derivatives to be prepared readily and in good yield. The review is completed by tables of mono- and di-substituted 2-aminobenzophenones. 1. Introduction 2. Syntheses from 2-Benzoylbenzoic Acids 3. Syntheses from 3-Arylindoles 4. Syntheses from 2,1-Benzisoxazoles 5. Syntheses from Nitroaryl Substrates 5.1. From 2-Nitrobenzyl Chloride 5.2. From 2-Nitrobenzoyl Chloride 5.3. From 2-Nitrobenzoic Acid 5.4. From 2-Chloronitrobenzene 6. Syntheses from Anthranilic Acids 6.1. From 2-Aminobenzonitrile 6.2. From 3,1-Benzoxazin-4-one 6.3. From Isatoic Anhydride 6.4. From Formamidine 6.5. From Arylsulfonamide 7. Syntheses from Anilines 7.1. para-Substitution 7.2. Boron Trichloride Complex 7.3. ortho-Lithiation 7.4. 2-Benzylaniline 8. Syntheses from Halobenzophenones 9. Syntheses of N-Alkyl Derivatives 10. Tables of Derivatives