The syntheses of a diverse set of 2-aryl-4-quinolone derivatives were achieved by exposing corresponding acylated 2'aminoacetophenones to microwave irradiation in the presence of NaOH. The microwave accelerated cyclizations were complete within 10-22 min at 120 degrees C giving 57-95% isolated yields. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.