Abstract: 1,1' dialkyl -4,4'-bipyridylium dihalide is prepared by heating 4,4'-bipyridyl with an .alpha.-halogen substituted organic acid of formula X R.sub.1 COOH where X is Cl or Br, R is C.sub.1-3, preferably monochloroacetic acid alkyl group in the presence of water until the pH is below 4.0.