A mild and efficient synthesis of pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-6(7H)-one derivatives via a three-component reaction of an aldehyde, Meldrum's acid and 3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-amine using recyclable polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400 as a reaction medium is described. This method has the advantages of accessible starting materials, good yields, mild reaction conditions and begin environmentally friendly.