The process for the manufacture of a compound of the formula ##STR1## comprising reacting in the presence of a basic nitrogen compound at elevated temperature phosphorus oxychloride with a compound of the formula ##STR2## in the molar ratio of phosphorus oxychloride to hydroxypyridine of 1:1 to 1.3:1 whereinR.sup.1 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, phenyl, carbalkoxy having 2 to 5 total carbon atoms, carbalkoxymethyl having 3 to 6 total carbon atoms or substituted phenyl having a substituent selected from the group consisting of chloro, bromo, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, cyano and nitro and R.sup.2 is hydrogen, cyano, nitro or acetyl.