DMAP can be prepared in a two-step procedure from pyridine, which is first oxidized to 4-pyridylpyridinium cation.
 This cation then reacts with dimethylamine:
DMAP can be prepared in a two-step procedure from pyridine, which is first oxidized to 4-pyridylpyridinium cation.  This cation then reacts with dimethylamine:
4-Dimethylaminopyridine