The cyclization of N,N′-bis[2-(dialkoxy)ethyl]-p-xylene-α,α′-diamine dihydrochloride to pyrido[3,4-g]isoquinoline and 3,8-phenanthroline

The ring closure of N,N′-bis2-(dialkoxy)ethyl]-p-xylene-α,α′-diamine dihydrochloride in fuming sulfuric acid has been investigated and the cyclization products have been identified as the linear pyrido3,4-g]isoquinoline as well as the previously reported angular 3,8-phenanthroline.