7-(PYRIDINYL)-/-ALKYL-1,4-DIHYDRO-4-OXO-3-QUINOLINECARBOXYLIC ACID HAVING ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AND PREPARATION THEREOF

1-Ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-7-(2,6-dimethyl-4-pyridinyl)-4-oxo-3-quin olinecarboxylic acid or salt thereof, a novel compound useful highly potent antibacterial agent with a broad spectrum of anti-microbiai activity, is prepared by nitrating the corresponding 6-desfluoro compound to produce the corresponding 6-nitro compound, reducing the latter compound to produce the corresponding 6-amino compound and converting the 6-amino via its diazonium salt to said 6-fluoro compound. Said novel acid is also prepared via intermediates prepared by heating 4-(2-fluorophenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid to produce a mixture of 4-(2-fluorophenyl)-2,6-di-methylpyridine and 2,4-dimethyl-5H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyridin-5-one, separating the components of said mixture and nitrating 4-(2-fluorophenyl)-2,6-dimethylpyridine to produce 4-(2-fluoro-5-nitrophenyl)-2,6-dimethylpyridine.