Abstract The reaction of an orthoamide derivative of phenylpropiolic acid (22a) with primary and secondary amides gives rise to the formation of a wide spectrum of reaction products. The reaction of 22a with formamide delivers a N-carbamoyl-cinnamic acid amidine, wheras the analogous reaction with methylene-diformamide leads to a ketenaminal, which is substituted in β-position by a N-formylimino group. From the orthoamide 22a and phthalimide a phthalic acid amide amidine is obtained. In contrast the reaction of diformamide with 22a affords a β-imino enamine. 2,6-Diaminopyridines can be obtained from 22a with acetamide, propionamide and butyramide in low yields. The pyridines are characterized as perchlorates. From 22a and benzamide a 4-amino-2,6-diphenylpyrimidine is obtained in low yield. In the reaction of the closely related orthoamide derivative of 4-Cl-phenylpropiolic acid 22b with benzamide are isolated as a further products two pyrimidine derivatives. A pyrimidinone and a vinylogous thiourea can be obtained from 22a and urea and thiourea, respectively.