Logistic flexibility in the preparation of isomeric halopyridinecarboxylic acids

Although there are many conceivable ways to funtionalize, and specifically carboxylate, 2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine optionally at all three vacant positions, it is more straightforward to prepare only the 2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine-3-carboxylic acid (1) from this precursor and the other 6-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine-2- and -3-carboxylic acids (2 and 3) from a different one, viz. 5 -bromo-2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine. In the same manner, it proved more convenient to convert 5-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine in only two of the corresponding acids (6 and 7) and to make the third one (8) from 3-bromo-5-chloro-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine as an alternative starting material. All model substrates for functionalization were readily accessible from the correspondingly substituted chloroiodopyridine through heavy halogen displacement by in situ generated (trifluoromethyl)copper. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.