A new convenient method for the synthesis of substituted 2,6-diacetamido pyridines has been developed. It starts from 4-hydroxypyridine and comprises the introduction of the amino groups by the Chichibabin reaction. After several protection and deprotection steps 2,6-diacetamido-4-hydroxy pyridine is obtained, which is regarded as a key compound for the synthesis of various substituted 2,6-diacetamido pyridines. It is shown that the free hydroxy group is susceptible for nucleophilic substitution. This provides an easy access to the introduction of different functional groups at 4-position of 2,6-diacetamido pyridine. The advantages over other procedures described in the literature are discussed. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.