A series of pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines has been synthesized by Friedlander condensation of 5-amino-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde 1 with active methylene compounds in basic medium. Pyrazolo[4'3':5,6]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines have been synthesized from pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines using substituted urea and acetic anhydride.