Hydroxymethyl-pyridines prepn. - by treating acetoxymethyl-pyridines with methanol in the presence of base in anhydrous medium

Hydroxymethyl-pyridines (e.g. 2,6-bis-hydroxymethyl-pyridine) are prepd by treating acetoxymethyl-pyridines with at least an equivalent amt of methanol (calculated on the basis of the number of acetyl gps) in the presence of base (pref. a volatile base, esp. NH3 or an org. tertiary base, or NaOH in anhydrous medium at a temp. between 0 degrees C and the b. pt of the reaction mixts the prod opt being isolated in the form of a salt. Hydroxymethylpyridines are useful as intermediates for pharmaceuticals, esp. cardiovascular agents (e.g. 2,6-dihydroxymethylpyridine bis(-N-methlcarbamate)). The process gives good yields and is suitable for large-scale use.