(2-Methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-methanol

65719-09-7

56826-61-0

A solution of methyl 2-methylnicotinate (35.2 g, 234 mmol) in 275 ml of dry ether was added dropwise to a vigorously stirred suspension of LiAlH4 (13.3 g, 350 mmol) in 600 ml of anhydrous ether. The reaction mixture was heated and refluxed in an oil bath at 55°C for 1.5 h and subsequently cooled to 0°C. H2O (64 ml) was added slowly dropwise, and the reaction was carried out for 1 h. The supernatant was decanted. The remaining suspension was extracted with ether. All organic phases were combined, dried over MgSO4 and the solvent was evaporated to give 29.9 g (234 mmol, 100% yield) of 3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridine, the product being an orange-colored oil; GC analysis showed 100% purity.