Sc(OTf)(3)-mediated one-pot benzannulation of oxygenated phenylacetic acids 3 with oxygenated benzenes 2 in the presence of Tf2O in MeCN at rt for 3 h afforded a series of polyoxygenated benzo[g] chrysenes 1 and naphthalenes 5 with moderate to good yields under the photolytic irradiation condition. The facile transformation proceeds by a cascade sequence starting with a double Friedel Crafts acylation of skeleton 2 with 3, followed by a double Scholl ring-closure and then, an O-acylation. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.