Reactions of the dimetalated ß-carbonline 6, prepared from 1-bromo-ß-carboline (4), with electrophiles are key steps in the syntheses of various ß-carboline alkaloids. Transmetalation of 6 with ZnCl2 followed by palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reaction with 2-chloroquinoline gave the alkaloid nitramarine (14).