Facile Synthesis of 2-Methylnicotinonitrile through Degenerate Ring Transformation of Pyridinium Salts.

Nucleophilic recyclization of pyridinium salts involving a CCN interchange ring transformation for the synthesis of 2-methylnicotinonitrile derivatives was herein developed. 3-Aminocrotononitrile (3-ACN) produced in situ from CH 3 CN acted as a C-nucleophile, as well as the source of CH 3 and CN groups, which was supported by isotope-labeling and control experiments.