Attempted synthesis of 3-substituted (alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxymethyl or cyano)-2, 3-dihydro-2-benzyl (acyl or alkoxycarbonyl)-1H-pyrrolo [3, 4-b] quinolines (II), (III), and (VI) as potential ring A-B-C components for a total synthesis of dl-camptothecin (I) is described.