This study describes the synthesis of novel α-aminonitrile derivatives possessing a quinoline subunit via a Strecker reaction. Chiral α-methylbenzylamines were used to carry out the diastereoselective version of this sequence. Conversion of an enantiopure 2-chloroquinolin- 3-yl derivative into the corresponding α-aminoester resulted in the concomitant formation of a 2 (1H)-quinolinone moiety and a partial racemization. Single crystal X-ray structures are ...