Abstract: We report here a simple procedure for the preparation of 4, 6-disubstituted-and 3, 4, 6-trisubstituted-2-pyridones and 3-substituted-isoquinol-1-ones, in good yields, from lithium dienediolates and nitriles. Keywords: pyridones, isoquinolones, nitriles, lithium dienediolates, carboxylic acids