A new synthetic route to 5-arylbenzo[c]xanthones is established. This was accomplished by use the Heck reaction of 3-bromoflavones with styrene derivatives, leading to (E)-3-styrylflavones with total diastereoselectivity. This transformation was greatly improved under microwave irradiation. The one-pot, photoinduced electrocyclisation of (E)-3-styrylflavones and further in situ oxidation of the cycloadduct leads to 5-arylbenzo[c]xanthones.