4-Alkylpyridines functionalized with alkynyl amide substituents can be converted to pyridyl-substituted lactams via Au-catalyzed cyclization at the pyridine benzylic carbon. These transformations proceed through alkylidene dihydropyridine (anhydrobase) intermediates and demonstrate the ability to utilize these species in metal-catalyzed C–C bond forming reactions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide