Abstract:N-Arylitaconimides undergo smooth recyclization with 3-aminocrotonic esters to afford 6-alkyl-3-(2-anilino-2-oxoethyl)-2-oxo-3,4-dihydro-1H-pyridine-5-carboxylates when heated in acetic acid. The product structure has been established by NMR, which allows one to rule out the formation of other alternative heterocyclic derivatives.