By reaction of mono-and di-aminoanthraquinones with formaldehyde and diverse electron rich alkenes in acetonitrile in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid cyclocondensation affords a series of tetrahydroquinolines. The resulting tetra-, penta-and hepta-cyclic products all contain the anthraquinone sub-structure. Aspects of regio-and stereo-selectivity are discussed and the potential of this series of aminoanthraquinones for metal ion chelation ...