The title compounds 12, which are key intermediates for antitumoral di
azaquinomycin A analogues, are obtained by intramolecular Wittig react
ion of lpha-oxoacylamino)phenyl]alkyltriphenylphosphonium salts 11, wh
ich are prepared via lithiation of 2',5'-dimethoxy-N-pivaloylaniline 6
. The applicability of this route to polysubstituted 2(1H)-quinolinone
s 12 and 17 is examined.