A simple and convenient synthesis of 3-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)quinoline derivatives via the treatment of 3-[hydroxy(2-nitroaryl)methyl]-4H-chromen-4-ones, derived from chromones and various 2-nitrobenzaldehydes, with Fe/AcOH, in a one-pot operation, is described. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.