Abstract A tandem imine addition-S N Ar annulation reaction has been developed as a new approach to the synthesis of 4-oxo-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroquinoline-3-carboxylic esters. A series of these structures has been generated by reacting selected imines with tert-butyl 2- fluoro-5-nitrobenzoylacetate. Structural variations in the final products are accomplished by changing the substituents on the imine and the alkyl group of the ester. The title ...