Easily obtained amino derivatives of quinoline-5,8-quinone (1 and 2) and 4-methyl(1H)2,5,8-quinolinetrione (3) react with β-dielectrophiles, affording aminoalkylidenemalonates in a convenient procedure. These compounds cyclise thermally to 1,5-diaza-(1H)4,9,10-anthracenetriones (1 0 and 1 9), 1,8-diaza-(1H)4,9,10-anthracenetriones (1 1 and 2 0) and 1,5-diaza-(1H, 5H)2,8,9,10- anthracenetetraones (1 2 and 2 1). The strategy is less convenient when applied to aromatic precursors. Knorr cyclisation of β-oxoanilides fails in both systems.