The gas phase alkylation of 2-hydroxypyridine with methanol at atmospheric pressure, over ZnAl2O4, prepared via hydrothermal route, is reported. The catalyst was characterised by XRD, HRTEM, DTA-TG, BET surface area measurements, pore-size analysis and surface acidity. The catalyst indicates high selectivity (over 95%) in the reaction of methanol with 2-hydroxypyridine leading to N-methyl-2-pyridone and its activity does not change substantially in the temperature range of 325-340 degrees C. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.