Abstract A number of derivatives of indolizine ring system have been prepared from 1- substituted 4, 6-diphenyl-2-phenacylidene-1, 2-dihydropyridines either by metallation with LDA or acylation and further basic treatment. Similarly, I-arylmethyl-4, 6-diphenyl-2- dicyanomethylene-1, 2-dihydropyridines by action of LDA undergo cyclization to the corresponding 2-amino-1-cyano-3-aryl indolizines.