The synthesis of a new series of 3-substituted pyrazolo[3,4-c]quinoline 1-oxides is presented. Regioselective bromine-magnesium exchange of 2-benzylated 3,4,5-tribromopyrazole 1-oxides and subsequent halogen dance of the resulting monometalated intermediates was used to synthesize fused pyrazoloquinoline 1-oxides. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.