The synthesis of quinolones from Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts is reported. The quinolone skeleton is formed via a TFA-mediated cyclization of the MBH adduct, and a mechanism study using ESI (+)-MS (/MS) has indicated the role played by TFA in this key reaction step. The total syntheses of Norfloxacin and a benzyl quinolone carboxylic acid (BQCA) derivative are described. Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolonic antibacterial drug ...