We show that every modular form on Γ0(2n) (n ⩾ 2) can be expressed as a sum of eta-quotients, which is a partial answer to Ono's problem. Furthermore, we construct a primitive generator of the ring class field of the order of conductor 4N (N ⩾ 1) in an imaginary quadratic field in terms of the special value of a certain eta-quotient.