New compounds: Reissert compound studies XXXII: facile synthesis of 3-azapapaverine

6,7-Dimethoxyphthalazine was obtained in four steps from veratric acid and converted to its Reissert compound. Alkylation of this Reissert compound with 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl chloride followed by hydrolysis gave 3-azapapaverine.