 Preparation of the α-pyridinium methyl ketone salts can be easily achieved by treatment of the corresponding α-bromo methyl ketone with pyridine.The α,β-unsaturated ketones are often available commercially or can be prepared using a number of known methods.Additionally, Mannich bases can also be utilized as the Michael acceptor for the scheme, further diversifying the scope of starting materials that can be incorporated into the Kröhnke scheme.