All pyridine nitriles and esters were metalated at the position next to the directing group using (TMP) 3CdLi in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. The 2-, 3-, and 4-cyanopyridines were treated with 0.5 equiv of base for 2 h to afford, after subsequent trapping with iodine, the corresponding 3-iodo, 2-iodo, and 3-iodo derivatives, respectively, in yields ranging from 30 to 61%. Cyanopyrazine was similarly functionalized at the 3 position in 43% yield. Ethyl ...
