2-Ethoxycarbonyl-l -(2-pyridy1)pyridinium cations (3) (easily prepared from 2-aminopyridine and the appropriate pyrylium salt) are converted by dilute NaOH at 25 "C into 1 -(substituted 2-pyridylcarbonyl)-2pyridones (7). Compounds (7) are readily hydrolysed to 2-pyridones.