Abstract: A process for cleaving cinchona alkaloids to a quinoline derivative and an enantiomerically pure, functionalized 1-azabicyclo(2.2.2)octane, includes treating a cinchona alkaloid with a complex metal hydride while simultaneously oxidizing by exposure to air in an ether or tetrahydrofuran. Enantiomerically pure 1-azabicyclo(2.2.2)octanes of the formula ##STR1## in which R is hydrogen, a straight-chain or branched alkoxycarbonyl group with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a straight-chain or branched alkyl group with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alkylated silyl groups, or a substituted phenyl or benzyl substituent, are also provided.