Synthesis and reactions of 3-acetyl-6-methyl-2-(methylthio)pyridine

A reaction of methyllithium with 3-cyano-6-methylpyridine-2(1 H)-thione followed by alkylation of the resulting 3-acetylpyridinethione, or a direct reaction of methyllithium with 3-cyano-6-methyl-2-(methylthio)pyridine, afforded 3-acetyl-6-methyl-2-(methylthio)pyridine. The ketone obtained was examined in bromination reactions under various conditions. Bromi-nation in methanol or chloroform, proceeding through the formation of sulfonium bromides, gave substituted 3-(bromoacetyl)pyridine. A reaction of 3-acetyl-6-methyl-2-(methyl-thio)pyridine with N-bromosuccinimide in CCl4 afforded N-(pyridinesulfenyl)succinimide. The bromo ketone was used for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds.