NEW MATERIAL: A compound of the formula [R1 and R2 are each C1-10 alkyl; R3 is H with cis- or trans-configuration; R4 is NHCOR' with cis- or trans- configuration (R' is C1-10 alkyl, phenyl, etc.), fused phenylcycloalkyl or benzofuranyl] and its salt and hydrate.

EXAMPLE: TransN-(1,3,4,6,11,11ahexahydro-8,9dimethoxy-2H-benzo [b]quinolidin-2- yl)benzamide.

USE: Anti-arrhythmic agents.

PROCESS: An intermediate of formula II is subjected to reductive amination to give a primary amine of formula III. The reaction is preferably effected at room temperature in the presence of 10% Pd-C catalyst under a hydrogen pressure of 60 pound/in.2 using ammonium acetate. Then, an amide intermediate of formula IVa or IVb may be converted into the quaternary salt with a suitable N-alkylating reagent.