<p>An alternative is presented for promoting a reaction with infrared irradiation to obtain different 4-aryl-3-cyano-5-ethoxycarbonyl-6-methyl-2-pyridone derivatives <strong>9a-k</strong>. The process was carried out with a green approach from the corresponding 4<em>H</em>-pyrans, using mild reaction conditions and infrared irradiation as the energy source. In the first stage, the reaction produced 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridin-2-one derivatives <strong>8a-k</strong>, followed by an oxidative step to afford the target molecules in good yields. The structure of products <strong>9a-k</strong> was confirmed by FT-IR, <sup>1</sup>H NMR and <sup>13</sup>C NMR spectroscopic techniques and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the efficiency of the reaction depends on the catalyst and the solvent, as well as on the aldehyde substituents.</p>