This paper reports the large scale preparation of y-3-hydroxy-6-methox
y-1-methyl-4-nitroisoquinoline quinoline (RWJ 19959, 2) from an availa
ble starting material, 4-ethoxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid (9). Previo
usly 2 was prepared via a perchlorate salt which was found to decompos
e exothermically.