Synthesis and reactions of partially reduced biisoquinolines.

An improved synthesis of the 1,1',2,2',3,3',4,4'-octahydro-1.1'-biisoquinoline ring system is described. The reactivity of this system has been investigated, including the unusually high basicity of the parent compound and its N.N'-dimethyl derivative. The resolution of the parent compound has been achieved for the first time, along with the development of a straightforward method for assaying its enantiomeric purity.