The reaction of p-aminoacetophenone with aryl aldehydes in polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the presence of base, followed by treatment with ammonium acetate, affords 2,4,6-triarylpyridines in good yield as a 'one pot' procedure. The intermediate Claisen -Schmidt chalcone condensation products or the Michael addition 1,5-diketone products can be prepared in high yield, depending on the ratio of ketone to aldehyde, prior to treatment with ammonium acetate.