First selective lithiation of pyridylpiperazines: straightforward access to potent pharmacophores

The three isomers of pyridylpiperazines have been lithiated for the first time. The use of a superbase, an aminoalkoxide containing lithiating agent overcomes the chelating influence of the basic piperazine nitrogens, so that selective mono lithiation occurred alpha to pyridine nitrogen. This methodology offers a new access to diverse potent pharmacophores not easily prepared by other routes.