Amide ions were formed by the deprotonation of the amino group of amino-and (monoalkylamino) anthraquinones in the presence of powdered potassium hydroxide in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Under a nitrogen atmosphere these amide ions changed to their radical anions. The amide ions of 1-aminoanthraquinones reacted with excess alkyl halides to yield 1-alkylaminoanthraquinones, while the N-alkylation of 2-aminoanthraquinones ...