Abstract: The invention concerns quinolinium salt intermediates of the formula I ##STR1## and processes for their manufacture; and their use in the manufacture of aryloxymethyl-substituted 1-alkyl-2-quinolone derivatives which are 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heterocycle of the formula I ##STR1## wherein Q is an optionally substituted 6-membered monocyclic or 10-membered bicyclic heterocyclic moiety containing one or two nitrogen atoms;A is (1-6C)alkylene, (3-6C)alkenylene, (3-6C)alkynylene or cyclo(3-6C)alkylene;X is oxy, thio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl or imino;Ar is phenylene which may optionally bear one or two substituents orAr is an optionally substituted 6-membered heterocyclene moiety containing up to three nitrogen atoms;R.sup.1 is hydrogen, (1-6C)alkyl, (3-6C)alkenyl, (3-6C)alkynyl, cyano-(1-4C)alkyl or (2-4C)alkanoyl, or optionally substituted benzoyl;and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together form a group of the formula --A.sup.2 --X.sup.2 --A.sup.3 -- which, together with the carbon atom to which A.sup.2 and A.sup.3 are attached, defines a ring having 4 to 7 ring atoms, wherein A.sup.2 and A.sup.3, which may be the same or different, each is (1-4C)alkylene and X.sup.