3-(Morpholinyl)-N-(4-nitrophenyl)-5,6-dihydropyridin-2-one is a reagent in the synthesis of 4,5-dehydro Apixaban (D229385) an impurity of Apixaban (A726700), a potent, direct, selective, and orally active inhibitor of coagulation factor Xa. It is a potential new oral coagulant that may be useful prevention of venous thromboembolism in total hip, knee replacement orthopedic surgery and stroke in treatment of patient with venous thromboembolic disorder or with atrial fibrillation