A convenient approach for the synthesis of 2,6-diformyl- and 2,6-diacetylpyridines

2,6-Diformyl- and 2,6-diacetylpyridines are readily accessed in good yields (60–90%) via the single-pot reaction of 2,6-pyridine dicarboxamides with LiAlH4 or MeMgCl in THF at 0–20 °C. The high efficiency of the method illustrates the significance of solubility in the reduction and alkylation of difunctionalized substrates.