A novel synthesis of 5-aryl-3-cyano-2-pyridones by using vinamidinium salts

A variety of vinamidinium salts were condensated with cyanoacetamide in refluxing methanol that contained sodium methoxide to produce 5-aryl-3-cyano-2-pyridones in good yield. Simple experimental conditions were used to prepare ten different 5-aryl-3-cyano-2-pyridones, four of which are new compounds.