An efficient synthetic method for 1,4-dihydropyridines has been developed using 3 or 4 component condensation reactions of aldehydes, 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and ammonium acetate in the presence of alumina sulfuric acid catalyst in minimum methanol at reflux temperature. This procedure offers several advantages including high yields, an environmentally friendly procedure, short reaction times, and a simple work-up procedure.