A 2-benzopyrylium perchlorate 6 was prepared from the keto ester 5. Reduction of 6 followed by dilute HCl affords 6 H-5-oxachrysene 10. Reaction of 6 with ammonia solution gives the isoquinoline acid 13. By a short series of steps 13 is cyclized to the dihydrobenzo [c] phenanthridine 16.