The amino acid Schiff base manganese complex (Tryp–Mn); 1, was prepared with L-tryptophan, salicylaldehyde and Mn(OAc)2.4H2O in methanol. In the presence of 1, 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) were oxidised by n-Bu4NIO4 to the corresponding pyridine derivatives in high yields. Imidazole was used as an additive to improve the catalytic oxidation.