Sterically hindered phenanthrolines: Synthesis of 1,7,7-trimethyl[2.2.1]bicycloheptano-[2,3-B]-1,10-phenanthroline from (+)-camphor.

The title compound was prepared in 51 % overall yield through a three step reaction sequence starting from 8-nitro-7-quinolinecarbaldehyde and (+)-cam phor. This route offers a useful alternative to the Friedlander reaction wh ich provides only a 5% yield of the title compound.