Synthesis of 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzo[ b ][1,8]naphthyridin-4(1 H )-one derivatives using trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides

•Synthesis of 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzo[b][1,8]naphthyridin-4(1H)-ones was developed.•Trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides were used for the preparation of novel CF3-heterocycles.•2-Chloro-3-acetyl-quinolines reacted with imidoyl chlorides using NaH/THF.•The reaction is thought to occur through an enaminone intermediate not isolated.•CF3 substituted benzonaphthyridin-4(1H)-ones were obtained in moderate to good yields.