A Facile N-monoalkylation of Aminopyridines

The N-monoalkylation of 2- or 3-aminopyridines by a carboxylic acid and sodium borohydride afforded the corresponding alkylaminopyridine under mild conditions in good yields. N-Alkylaminopyridines are important intermediate for preparing N-containing heterocycles, such as “flytrap” aminopyridinium-based anion hosts and pharmaceuticals.