A convergent synthesis of a series of 4,4′-functionalized 1,1′-biisoquinolines via 1-chloro-4-hydroxyisoquinoline and substituted biphenyl- and phenylpyrimidine ethers as building blocks is described. The latter were prepared by Williamson etherification of the respective 4-hydroxybiphenyl and -phenylpyrimidine precursors with dibromoalkanes, allowing variation of the spacer lengths. 1-Chloro-4-hydroxyisoquinoline