A versatile and efficient synthesis of 3-aroyl-1,4-dihydroquinolin-4-ones

A versatile and efficient method for preparation of 3-aroyl-4-quinolones is described. The procedure involved a Michael-type addition of methyl anthranylate with various β-ketonic enol ethers followed by based promoted cyclisation. Different quinolones have been obtained. The ring closure is facilitated by heating at reflux in diphenyl ether leading to increase the rate of the cyclisation.