Reduction of trichloromethylpyridines to dichloromethylpyridines

摘要

2(6)-(Trichloromethyl)pyridines are reduced to the corresponding 2(6)-(dichloromethyl)pyridines by treatment with a strong base and an anionic reductant derived from a reductant source material selected from the group consisting of dialkylphosphite and trialkylphosphite said treatment taking place in the presence of a polar, non-hydroxylic solvent and/or a phase transfer catalyst.