Abstract In a two step procedure and in usually good yield an α-pyrone ring can be annelated to (enolized) cyclic β-dicarbonyl compounds like 4-hydroxy-2-pyrones, 4- hydroxycoumarins, 4-hydroxy-2-quinolones and more complex malonylheterocycles, but also to β-naphthole. In a first step the combined action of triethyl orthoformate and arylamines upon the dicarbonyl system affords the anilinomethylene derivatives B in ...