Investigations on 2,3'-Biquinolyls. 15. Regioselectivity of the Addition of Nitromethane Anion to 1'-Alkyl-3'-(2-quinolyl)quinolinium Halides

1'-R-3'-(2-Quinolyl)quinolinium halides react with nitromethane forming products of addition at the position 4', the 1'-R-4'-nitromethyl-1',4'-dihydro-2,3'-biquinolyls. A method has been developed for the synthesis of 1'-phenacyl-1',4'-dihydro-2,3'-biquinolyls based on the alkylation of 1',4'-dihydro-2,3'-biquinolyl with halogen derivatives in DMF.