The reaction between 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and 2-bromoacetophenone(s) readily gives 1- [2-(4-substitutedphenyl)-2-oxoethyl]-4-(dimethylamino)pyridinium bromide (1–14). Action of aqueous NaOH on 1–8 generates the corresponding pyridinium ylide (15–22), which is isolated as a colored stable crystalline solid. Addition of 15–22 to dimethylacetylene dicarboxylate (DMAD) gives dimethyl 3-(subs