Hammick Reaction

Abstract The synthesis of α‐pyridylcarbinols by the decarboxylation of picolinic acid with excess amount of carbonyl compounds is generally known as the Hammick reaction. It is also referred to as the Hammick coupling. The reaction involves the carbonyl compounds coupling with the heterocyclic moiety upon decarboxylation. The reaction includes the three kinds of intermediates, which are favored by certain experimental results. Furthermore, the intermediate can also react with other electrophiles instead of carbonyl compounds. This reaction has been used in the preparation of pyridylcarbinols.