The title compounds I are useful intermediates in the synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids. (RS)-1-(3-Bromo-4-methoxy)benzyl-6-methoxy-7-benzyloxy-3,4-dihydroi soquinoline was reduced to (RS)-1-(3-bromo-4-methoxy)benzyl-6-methoxy-7-benzyloxy-1,2,3,4-tetr ahydroisoquinoline (II) by NaBH4. II was resolved with di-p-toluoyl-D-(-)-tartaric acid and the enantiomers were converted to the N-Me derivatives with CH2O and HCO2H resp., followed by hydrolysis with HCl to give I. Abs. configurations of I were assigned based on sp. rotation and ORD curves by using the convention and sequence rule (+) = S = (L); (-) = R = (D) in the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline series.

Key words: MESOTOMY, PROTON MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROMETRY, QUINOLINE P, STEREOISOMERISM