Compounds of formula (II) may also be prepared from the corresponding aminoisoquinoline (or its nitro-analogue) of formula (VII) where RN is NH2 or NO2 and X and Y are as hereinbefore defined by reaction with a compound R1AZ where Z is a leaving group such as halogen, especially lodo, or tosylate and R1A is benzyl or 4-methoxybenzyl to obtain an intermediate of formula (VIII). which can be reduced