Abstract A reaction of methyllithium with 3-cyano-6-methylpyridine-2 (1 H)-thione followed by alkylation of the resulting 3-acetylpyridinethione, or a direct reaction of methyllithium with 3-cyano-6-methyl-2-(methylthio) pyridine, afforded 3-acetyl-6-methyl-2-(methylthio) pyridine.
