We describe a new total synthesis of 2-styrylbenzoic acids by Heck coupling of Me o-iodobenzoates to styrenes. Addnl., in the first general synthesis of naphtho[2,1-f]isoquinolines, these acids were transformed into phenanthrenoic acids and thence into the target compds. by a six-step sequence including a Bischler-Napieralski cyclization.