The mechanistic details of the hydroxyl radical-induced transformations of quinoline have been elucidated. The nature and distribution of the final products have provided insight into the preferential attack of the hydroxyl radicals at different sites on the aromatic rings. Hydroxylated products at all of the carbon atoms but one, C2, have been observed and quantified following controlled radiolysis of N2O-purged aqueous quinoline solutions. The difference in the growth pattern and the lifetime of the monohydroxylated products under radiolytic conditions, as well as the formation of high-molecular-weight products (e.g., quinoline dimers), shows the complexity of the (OH)-O-center dot reaction pathways. The radiolytic yields (G values) for the degradation of the quinoline and the formation of the hydroxylated products are calculated in the absence and in the presence of an oxidant, K3Fe(CN)(6). The addition of K3Fe(CN)(6) changes only the distribution of the hydroxylated products. These experiments indicate that the nature of the hydroxylated products is determined in the initial addition step of the reaction of the hydroxyl radical with quinoline, whereas the chemistry of the OH adducts is relevant to the distribution of the final products. The discrepancy between the products of gamma-radiolysis and the photo-Fenton reaction of quinoline is also discussed.