Abstract The syntheses of the K-imine derivatives of benzo [h] quinoline (1), benzo [f] quinoline (2) and 1, 10-phenanthroline (3) are described. The parent nitrogen heterocycles were oxidized with sodium hypochlorite to the corresponding K-oxides, 4, 6 and 8, which in turn were reacted with sodium azide. The resulting azido alcohols were then cyclized with triethyl phosphite to the title compounds 5, 7 and 9. The oxirane ring cleavage in benzo [h] ...