AbstractA one‐pot synthesis of ethyl 8,9‐difluoro‐6‐oxo‐6H‐benzo[c]quinolizine‐5‐carboxylate 11 has been developed. The condensation of ethyl 2‐pyridylacetate and 2,4,5‐trifluorobenzoyl chloride followed by intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution gave the desired ring system. This intermediate was converted to the title compound and its in vitro biological activity is reported.