Efficient synthesis of 3-(bromomethyl)-5-methylpyridine hydrobromide

Abstract

5-Methyl-3-(bromomethyl)pyridine is the key intermediate in the synthesis of rupatadine. In this article, a new preparation of 5-methyl-3-(bromomethyl)pyridine hydrobromide is reported, which used 5-methylnicotinic acid as the starting material, with a 65.9% overall yield. This method has the merits of being simple, efficient and environmentally friendly.