On the basis of the interesting structures and biological activities exhibited by several heterocyclic systems possessing the pyridone nucleus such as mappcine and camptothecin, we have planed to design the synthesis, crystal studies and antibacterial activity of the new 1-((2-chloroquinolin-3yl)-methyl)- pyridine-2(1 H)-one building block. An X-ray analysis has provided valuable insight into the effect of steric factors on the three-dimensional shape of this compound which serves as a useful advanced intermediate in the synthesis of these biologically active molecules. A multistep synthesis of camptothecin (5) has been designed by retrosynthetic analysis as part of an ongoing program on lead anticancer drug.