A novel one-pot protocol for the synthesis of valuable 3,4-dihydropyridin-2-ones from the condensation of al- dehyde with cyanoacetamide and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of imidazole was developed. A series of aldehydes and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds were employed to examine the scope of substrates for this protocol. This reaction proceeded through the formation of one ring and four new bonds （two C-C, one C-N, one C=C） via the sequence involving Knoevenagel condensation, Michael addition and intramolecular cyclization with moderate to excellent yields. All new compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS.
