Novel synthesis of substituted 4′-hydroxy-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines

4-Substituted-2,6-diacetylpyridines 2–4 have been synthesised; by using the Kröhnke-methodology, chalcone and methylacylpyridinium salts have been reacted to yield 4′-ethoxy-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines 5–7. These novel 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridines are functionalised at C(4′) and possess substituents at C(4), C(5) and C(6) of both terminal pyridines, respectively. The ethyl ether protecting group has been cleaved to obtain 4′-hydroxy-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine 8.