Novel process for the preparation of 2-cyanopyridine derivatives

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I), wherein Y and n are as defined in the description. A process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I), which process comprises treating a compound of general formula (II), with an activating agent and a cyanide source in a polar solvent, wherein X is halogen; each Y, which may be the same or different, is an electron withdrawing group; and n is 1 to 4; wherein the activating agent is a compound containing a nucleophilic tertiary nitrogen moiety, which activating agent is different from compounds of formula (I) and (II), and the cyanide source is hydrogen cyanide, an alkali metal cyanide, an alkaline earth metal cyanide or an optionally substituted ammonium cyanide.