New synthetic route to C-2-symmetric 2,2 '-bipyridines: Synthesis of (6R,6' R,8R,8 ' R)-6,8,6 ',8 '-bismethano-7,7,7 ',7 '-tetra-methyl-5,5 ',6,6 ',7,7 ',8,8 '-octahydro-2,2 '-biquinoline

A generalizable procedure to C-2-symmetric 2,2 ' -bipyridines based on two consecutive constructions of the pyridine rings is reported. As an example of this strategy the title bipyridine has been prepared in four steps from 3-benzyloxy-2-butanone and (1R,5R)-3-methylenenopinone.