Promoted by the fact that many a non-camptothecin derivatives have been investigated for new antitumor agents targeting topoisomerase-1 possessing higher potent activity and less side effects, and further taken focus on benzo[c]phenanthridine analogues, this study aimed to synthesize two benzo[c]phenanthridine quatemary compounds: 8,9-dimethoxy-5 methylbenzo[c][1,9] phenanthrolinium (14) and 12-ethoxy-8,9-dimethoxy5-methylbenzo[c][1,9]phenanthrolinium (15) from the amide lactam derivatives (12) and (13) respectively. In vitro cytoxicity was tested in L1210 cell line showing the iminium derivatives were less potent than the corresponding lactam compounds.