Two methods are presented for the synthesis of the title compounds starting from cyclobutenediones: an alkoxide substitution approach and a Staudinger reaction. Unsaturated lithiumorganyls may be added to the remaining carbonyl group and on heating lead to ring enlargement in a cascading process. 4-Alkenyl or 4-aryl derivatives yield aminophenols or -naphthols; 4-alkynyl compounds give cyclopenta-annulated quinolines.