Aromatization of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines with I-2-MeOH

4-Alkyl or aryl substituted Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines are aromatized to the corresponding pyridines in high yields by iodine in refluxing methanol . The method tolerates several substituents such as alkyl, benzyl, aryl and heterocyclic groups present in the 4-position of pyridines.