To a stirred solution of dimethylamine in THF (2.0 M; 115 ml; 230 mmol) at 0° C. was added a solution of 8-bromomethyl 4-[(3-bromophenyl)-N-acetylamino]-6-nitro-quinoline-3-carbonitrile (11.6 g, 23 mmol) in 115 ml of THF during 15 m. After warming to 25° C. the mixture was stirred for 2 h. The THF was evaporated off, and the residue was refluxed in 230 ml of methanol with 12.7 g (92 mmol) of potassium carbonate for 1 h. The mixture was cooled, saturated with CO2, and concentrated. The residue was partitioned with methylene chloride and water. The organic layer was washed with water, dried, and concentrated. The residue was subjected to chromatography on silica gel with methylene chloride-ethyl acetate-methanol-triethylamine to give 6.0 g yellow solid, mp 223-226° C.
