Synthesis of substituted 2-alkyl(aryl)thio-3-cyanopyridines and 3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridines

The alkylation of 6-methyl-4-methoxymethyl-3-cyano-2-(1H)pyridinethione by halogen derivatives in the presence of KOH proceeds regioselectively with the formation of S-alkyl derivatives. By cathodic electrolysis of the thiols in the presence of 6-methyl-4-methoxymethyl-2-chloro-3-cyanopyridine, 2-arylthiopyridines are obtained. By Thorpe-Ziegler cyclization of 2-alkylthiopyridines having an ctive methylene group, 2-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridines have been synthesized.