A Practical Synthesis of Lithium 3-Fluoropyridine-2-carboxylate

A practical and efficient method for the preparation of lithium 3-fluoropyridine-2-carboxylate as well as its four regioisomer is described. 3-Fluoropyridine can be regioselectively lithiated on C-2 or C-4 depending on the reaction conditions. A quench procedure with carbon dioxide was developed which conveniently provides the lithium carboxylate in high yield and purity.