The reaction is carried out in the presence of a base such as sodium methoxide or sodium hydride, and generally is complete within about 2 to about 24 hours when carried out at an elevated temperature of about 50??? to about 120??? C. The product 7-keto-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines are recovered by removing the reaction solvents and crystalizing the product from an organic solvent such as methanol, et