Abstract: Provided is a polyether-modified silicone composition. The composition comprises (A) a polyether-modified silicone, and (B) a monool organic compound. The monool organic compound (B) is selected from (B1) a glycol ether compound having a hydrogen atom substituted by an alkyl group having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms at one end, a secondary alcoholic hydroxy group at the other end, from 2 to 3 repeating oxyalkylene units having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and (B2) a tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether. Isopropyl alcohol does not exceed 1 mass % of the entire composition. Applications and manufacturing methods for the composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the synthesis of 3-methyl-pyridine from formaldehyde, paracetaldehyde, ammonia and acetic acid, whereby said compounds are reacted and said process comprises the following parameters: a) a reaction temperature of 260-300° C.; b) a molar ratio of formaldehyde and paraldehyde (calculated as acetaldehyde) of 0.7-1.4 mol/mol: c) an ammonia concentration of 10-20 weight-% d) an acetic acid concentration of 4-20 weight-% e) a paraldehyde (calculated as acetaldehyde) concentration of 0.4-1.6 Mol/kg f) a retention time of 10-30 minutes in case of a continuous reaction and 10-90 minutes in case of a discontinuous reaction; and g) a reaction pressure of 30-130 bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing bio-based pyridine and picolines, said method including at least the following steps: a first step involving subjecting a glycerol filler, created from the methanolysis of vegetable oils or animal fats, to a dehydration reaction leading to acrolein; a second step involving partial condensation of the effluent from the first step so as to separate a water-rich flow as well as an acrolein-rich flow; and a third step involving reacting the acrolein from the preceding step with acetaldehyde in the presence of ammonia so as to obtain, by means of a condensation reaction, the bio-based pyridine and picolines.

Abstract: The invention provides the compounds of formula (): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, A, X, Y, a, b and n are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods for making the compounds of formula (I) and their use in treating or preventing diseases associated with cell overproliferation and dysfunctional sphingolipid signal transduction. The invention also encompasses the use of the compounds in combination with an apoptosis-signaling ligand, such as Fas ligand. Preferably, the Fas ligand is administered in the form of a gene therapy agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for producing carbon materials which are modified at least on their surface with pyridinic, pyrrolic and/or quaternary nitrogen groups starting out from carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of 3-methylpyridin by reacting 2-methyl-2,5-di-aminopentane and/or 3-methylpiperidin at about atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 180° C. to 400° C. in a hydrogen atmosphere free of oxygen gas in the presence of a suitable catalyst and of water and/or a volatile alcohol.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, carbon-nitrogen bond forming reactions and/or carbon-oxygen bond forming reactions using phosphonium borate compounds represented by the Formula: (R1)(R2)(R3)PH.BAr4, wherein R1, R2, R3, and Ar4 are as defined herein in combination with a transition metal, transition metal salt, transition metal oxide or transition metal complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the selective preparation of 3-methylpyridine, characterized in that acrolein and one or more ammonium salt(s) dissolved in water are reacted continuously under high pressures and at temperatures of 200-400° C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the synthesis of 3-methyl-pyridine from formaldehyde, paracetaldehyde, ammonia and acetic acid, whereby said compounds are reacted and said process comprises the following parameters: a) a reaction temperature of 260-300° C.; b) a molar ratio of formaldehyde and paracetaldehyde of 0.7-1-4 Mol/Mol: c) an ammonia concentration of 10-20 weight-% d) an acetic acid concentration of 4-20 weight-% e) a paracetaldehyde concentration of 0.4-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phenacylamine derivative of the formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein A is alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl which may be substituted by Y, pyridyl which may be substituted by Y, or pyrazolyl which may be substituted by Y, R1 and R2 are each alkyl, or R1 and R2 may together form a 3- to 6-membered saturated carbocycle, R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl or COR4, X is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, alkenyloxy, haloalkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, haloalkynyloxy, alkylthio, haloalkylthio, alkenylthio, haloalkenylthio, alkynylthio, haloalkynylthio, alkylsulfinyl, haloalkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl, dialkylaminosulfonyl, nitro, cyano, phenyl which may be substituted by Y, phenoxy which may be substituted by Y, benzyloxy which may be substituted by Y, or pyridyloxy which may be substituted by Y, and n is an integer of from 0 to 5.

Abstract: An process for the preparation of pyridine and/or picolines is disclosed. The process comprises contacting a mixture of carbonyl compound with ammonia in the presence of surface-passivated titanium-silicate catalyst in gas phase at a temperature ranging between 300-500° C., at gas space velocity in the range of 300 to 3000 h?1 and at a pressure ranging between 1 to 10 atmosphere, condensing and separating the products by conventional methods and if desired, further purifying the product using well known conventional methods.

Abstract: Hair dyeing compositions are provided which comprise at least one coupler selected from N-aryl-m-phenylenediamine derivatives, 2-substituted N-aryl-m-phenylenediamine derivatives, and N-aryl-m-diaminopyridine derivatives, in combination with and at least one diaminopyrazole primary intermediate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds used as direct dyes, and dyeing compositions comprising such compounds. The disclosed compounds have the formula A-L-B, wherein A and B are chosen from arylazoimidazolium coloring functional groups, and L is a linker comprising at least one cationic group C. The disclosure also relates methods of using such compositions for coloring keratin fibers, such as the hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel sulphonamide derivatives, to processes for their preparation and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cyclopentene compounds of the general formula I, to a process for the production thereof, to pharmaceutical preparations containing these compounds and to the use thereof for the production of pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: Novel compositions for use in oxidative hair coloring compositions are provided. The compositions comprise one or more oxidative hair coloring N-aryl-m-phenyldiamine derivatives as couplers and one or more diaminopyrazole primary intermediates in combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the potentiation of glutamate receptor function using certain 2-propane-sulphonamide derivatives. It also relates to novel 2-propane-sulphonamide derivatives, to processes for their preparation and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: A five-step process for preparing 1-(6-methylpyridin-3-yl)-2-[4-methylsulfonyl)phenyl]ethanone of formula (I): The process involves the following steps: (a) 4-(methylthio)benzyl alcohol is converted into 4-(methylthio)benzyl chloride; (b) 4-(methylthio)benzyl chloride is converted with an alkali metal cyanide into 4-(methylthio)phenylacetonitrile; (c) 4-(methylthio)phenylacetonitrile is condensed with a 6-methyinicotinic ester to give 3-[2-(2-(methylthio)phenyl)-2-cyanoacetyl](6-methyl)pyridine; (d) 3-[2-(4-(methylthio)phenyl-2-cyanoacetyl](6-methyl)pyridine is hydrolyzed and decarboxylated under acidic conditions to give 3-[2-(4-(methylthio)-phenyl)acetyl](6-methyl)pyridine is hydrolyzed and decarboxylated under acidic conditions to give 3-[2-(4-(methylthio)phenyl)acetyl(6-methyl)pyridine; and (e) 3-[2(4-(methylthio)phenyl)acetyl](6-methyl)pyridine is oxidized to give the end product.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel substituted pyrroles having the formula These compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are suitable for administration to patients as continuous infusion solution and are useful in the treatment and/or control of cell proliferative disorders, in particular cancer. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the foregoing compounds and methods for the treatment and/or control of cancer.

Abstract: 4-Haloalkylnicotinonitriles having the formula (I) which are suitable as intermediates in the preparation of pesticides, are obtained by: (a) reacting a 3-amino-1-haloalkyl-2-propen-1-one RF—C(O)—CH═CH—NH2  (II)  in a condensation reaction with a compound of the formula (III) to (VII), (R1Z)CH═CH—CN  (III) (R1Z)2CH—CH2—CN  (IV) Hal-CH═CH—CN  (V) Hal2CH—CH2CN  (VI) HC≡C—CN  (VII),  to give a compound of the formula (VIII), (IX) and/or (X), RF—C(O)—CH═CH—NH—CH═CH—CN  (VIII) RF—C(O)—CH═CH—NH—CH(ZR1)—CH2—CN  (IX) RF—C(O)—CH═CH—NH—CH(Hal)—CH2—CN  (X)  wherein RF is (C1-C4)-haloalkyl, R1 is alkyl, Hal is Cl or Br and each Z, independently, is O, S, NR or OCO; and (b) subjecting the react

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid crystalline compounds which (i) are characterized in that the compounds have a wide temperature range in which the compounds exhibit a liquid crystal phase, are low in viscosity, and have a negative and large &Dgr;&egr;, (ii) are readily mixed with other various liquid crystal materials even at low temperatures, and (iii) are useful as component of liquid crystal compositions suitable both for TFT type display mode and IPS mode; and liquid crystal composition comprising the liquid crystalline compound; the compounds are expressed by the general formula (1) wherein R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; ring A1, ring A2, and ring A3 independently represent trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group, trans-1,4-silacyclohexylene group, pyrimidine-2,5-diyl group, pyridine-2,5-diyl group, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl group, tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group, 1,3-dithian-2,5-diyl group, or tetrahydrothiopyran-2,5-diyl group, or 1,4-phenylene group in which one or more hydrogen atom

Abstract: Compounds having Formula 1 wherein the symbols have the meaning defined in the specification are inhibitors of the cytochrome P450RAI (retinoic acid inducible) enzyme, and are used for treating diseases responsive to treatment by retinoids.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I), in which the symbols have the following meaning: R(1) is 1. alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 carbon atoms; 2. alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 carbon atoms, in which one to all hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine; 3. alkenyl having 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 carbon atoms; or 4. —CnH2n−nn—Y, nn is zero or 2; and n is zero, 1, 2, 3 or 4; where n is unequal to zero or 1 if nn is equal to 2; 5. —CnH2n−nn—Y, nn is zero or 2; and n is 1, 2, 3 or 4; where n is unequal to 1 if nn is equal to 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing basic organic nitrogen-containing compounds by

Abstract: Acylsulfamoylbenzamides of the formula I and crop protection compositions comprising them are described. In this formula I, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are various organic radicals and X is CH or N.

Abstract: 2,3,5-Collidine and 2-ethyl-5-methylpyridine are prepared in high yields at the same time by reacting methacrolein and methyl ethyl ketone with ammonia in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst which comprises silica-alumina containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, zinc, cadmium, thallium and lead.

Abstract: The invention encompasses the novel compound of formula (I) useful in the treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases. The invention also encompasses certain pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases comprising compounds of formula (I).

Abstract: A process is provided for producing pyridine and/or alkylpyridine compounds comprising reacting a feedstream of ammonia and at least one C.sub.1-5 carbonyl reactant under conversion conditions and in the presence of a phosphorus-modified molecular sieve containing catalyst to produce a product stream having a pyridine and/or a pyridine based compound selected from alkylpyridines or polyalkylpyridines. The catalyst has improved attrition resistance without affecting catalyst activity or selectivity.

Abstract: There is provided a high efficiency base synthesis process for shape selective production of pyridine and picoline products from ammonia and C.sub.1-5 carbonyl compounds. The process includes reacting ammonia and at least one C.sub.1-5 carbonyl reactant under suitable reaction conditions of temperature, pressure, and space velocity in the presence of a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve to produce a primary product comprising pyridine or picoline products and polyalkylpyridines or other higher molecular weight aromatic species, separating and collecting the pyridine or picoline products from the polyalkylpyridines or other higher molecular weight aromatic species, and circulating the polyalkylpyridines or other higher molecular weight aromatic species to the same or another catalyst under conversion conditions to yield additional pyridine or picoline products with substantially reduced amounts of polyalkylpyridines or other higher molecular weight aromatic species.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of pyridine bases by a reaction of an aliphatic aldehyde and/or ketone with ammonia under gaseous phase using a specified catalyst in which a specified metal or combined metals are carried in or onto specified zeolites, for example, such as zeolites having a specified specific density range.

Abstract: Described are preferred processes for preparing heterocycles having one or more nitrogen and/or oxygen heteroatoms, utilizing a 1,3-dihalopropene as an effective 3-carbon fragment. Preferred processes yield pyridines, quinolines, oxazoles, pyrimidines and pyrazoles, depending upon the other reactant or reactants utilized with the 1,3-dihalopropene.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of mixed crystals of 1,4-diketopyrrolo?3,4-c!pyrroles, consisting of 1 mol each of two different compounds of formula ##STR1## by heating a corresponding mixture in solid form to the temperature range from 220.degree. to 380.degree. C.A and B are, for example, each a group of formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently hydrogen, chloro, bromo, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylamino, phenyl or --CN,G is --O--, --NR.sub.7 --, --N.dbd.N-- or --SO.sub.2 --,R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are hydrogen, and R.sub.7 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.The mixed crystals and solid solutions obtained are excellently suited for pigmenting high molecular weight material.

Abstract: Improved Chichibabin aminations of pyridine bases are described which are conducted under a pressurized gas phase containing ammonia and in the presence of a selected additive which increases the reaction rate, and also in preferred processes favorably alters the isomer ratios and product yields from the aminations while benefiting product workup and recovery as well.

Abstract: A base synthesis process and catalyst for the preparation of pyridine or its alkylpyridine derivatives involving the catalytic reaction of one or more aldehydes and/or ketones containing from one to about five carbon atoms, with at least one reactant having more than one carbon atom, with ammonia in the gas phase. The catalyst comprises an effective amount of a large-pore zeolite having been prepared with a silica to alumina ratio of at least 15, and at least a first dimension having first channels formed by twelve-membered rings, and a second dimension having second channels formed by ten- or twelve-membered rings which intersect the first channels. The preferred zeolite is a zeolite having the structure of zeolite beta.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid solution consisting of 60-90 mol-% of an asymmetric 2,5-dihydro-1,4-diketopyrrolo?3,4-c!pyrrole of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which G.sub.1 and G.sub.2 independently of one another are different substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radicals or pyridyl, but the volume of all substituents on G.sub.1 and G.sub.2 is greater than that of two methyl groups;and 40-10 mol-% of a 2,5-dihydro-1,4-diketopyrrolo?3,4-c!pyrrole of the formula (IIa) ##STR2## in which G.sub.3 and G.sub.4 independently of one another are different substituted or unsubstituted aromatic radicals or pyridyl, but the volume of all substituents on G.sub.3 and G.sub.4 is less than that of two butoxy groups;or 40-10 mol-% of a quinacridone of the formula (IIb) ##STR3## in which R.sub.9 is hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy;which is a single-phase solid solution having the crystal structure of the asymmetric 2,5-dihydro-1,4-diketopyrrolo?3,4-c!pyrrole of the formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the manufacture of 3,5-lutidine and 3-picoline from 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine by vapor phase reaction with hydrogen at about 400.degree.-500.degree. C. over an oxide catalyst.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), and salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein Q is optionally substituted phenyl or benzhydryl; X and Y are each H or together form a group=O; Z is O, S or NR.sup.9, where R.sup.9 is H or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; R.sup.1 represents H or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; R.sup.2 represents C.sub.1-6 alkyl substituted by CONR.sup.7 (CH.sub.2).sub.p R.sup.8 (where R.sup.7 is H or C.sub.1-6 alkyl, R.sup.8 is optionally substituted heteroaryl and p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6); R.sup.3 represents H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl or C.sub.2-6 alkynyl; R.sup.4 represents H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl or optionally substitute phenyl; R.sup.5 represents optionally substituted phenyl; R.sup.6 is H or C.sub.1-6 alkyl; and q is 0, 1, 2 or 3; are tachykinin antagonists useful in therapy.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for selectively synthesizing pyridine and 3-alkylpyridine in high yield by reacting ammonia and a carbonyl reactant selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde, an aldehyde containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a ketone containing from 3 to 5 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof under effective conditions in the presence of a catalyst comprising an active form of a synthetic porous crystalline MCM-49 or synthetic porous crystalline material characterized by an X-ray diffraction pattern including interplanar d-spacings at 12.36.+-.0.4, 11.03.+-.0.2, 8.83.+-.0.14, 6.18.+-.0.12, 6.00.+-.0.10, 4.06.+-.0.07, 3.91.+-.0.07, and 3.42.+-.0.06 Angstroms, e.g., MCM-22, and recovering from the resulting reaction mixture a product enriched in pyridine and 3-alkylpyridine.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein n stands for the number 0 or 1; R.sup.1 denotes a group R.sup.3 or R.sup.3 --A.sup.3 --Z.sup.2 -- and R.sup.2 denotes a group R.sup.4 or R.sup.4 --A.sup.4 --Z.sup.3 --; ring A.sup.1 is unsubstituted or halogen-, cyano- and/or methylsubstituted 1,4-phenylene in which optionally 1 CH group or 2 CH groups is/are replaced by nitrogen; A.sup.3 A.sup.4 and ring A.sup.2 each independently represent unsubstituted or halogen-, cyano- and/or methyl- -substituted 1,4-phenylene in which optionally 1 CH group or 2 CH groups is/are replaced by nitrogen or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene, trans-1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, 1-cyano-trans-1,4-cyclohexylene, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane- -1,4-diyl, naphthalene-2,6-diyl, tetralin-2,6-diyl or trans-decalin-2,6- diyl; Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2 and Z.sup.3 each independently are a single covalent bond, --COO--, --OOC--, --CH.sub.2 O--, --OCH.sub.2 --, --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, --C.vertline.C--, --(CH.sub.2).sub.3 O--, --O(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --, --(CH.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of high yields of 5-oxohexane nitriles with minimum formation of 1 undesired isomer. Such nitriles may be utilized as starting materials for the preparation of pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates and as well as final products. The process comprises reacting a methyl ketone and an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated nitrile in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a strong base. One of the products which may be created by the process is 2,4-dimethyl-5-oxohexane nitrile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing pyridine bases which comprises reacting an aliphatic aldehyde and/or a ketone with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst in gaseous phase, said catalyst comprising a zeolite containing (a) an element belonging to the platinum group and (b) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the elements of Groups IIB, IIIA and IVA of the periodic table and the having an atomic ratio of Si to elements consisting of Al, B, Fe and/or Ga of about 12 to about 1,000 and a constraint indedx of about 0.8 to about 12.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of substituted and unsubstituted-2,3-pyridinedicarboxylate compounds by reacting a dialkyl dichlorosuccinate with a dehydrohalogenating agent, an ammonia source and an appropriately substituted .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone.

Abstract: An improved base synthesis process and catalyst for the preparation of pyridine or its alkylpyridine derivatives involving the catalytic reaction of one or more aldehydes and/or ketones containing from one to about five carbon atoms, with at least one reactant having more than one carbon atom, with ammonia in the gas phase. The improved catalyst comprises an effective amount of a shape-selective zeolite which has been modified by treatment with one or more metal ions or compounds of tungsten. zinc or tin. The preferred zeolite has a constraint index of about 1 to 12 and a high silica content and correspondingly low concentration of ion-exchange sites with minimal to no acidic sites present.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of 3-methylpyridine in high yield comprising the step of contacting a vaporized feed stream containing 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine with a metal-oxide catalyst of other than an alkali metal at a temperature of about 500.degree.-600.degree. C. for a contact time of less than about 30 seconds. The catalyst may be on a suitable heterogeneous support, and additives in the feed stream may include 3-methylpiperidine as well as water, hydrogen, ammonia, or nitrogen or some other inert gas. A fluid-bed reactor is preferred, with recycling of by-product and continuous effective runs without catalyst regeneration being accomplished at the stated temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to elaiophylin derivatives of the formulae (I), (I'), (III) and (III') ##STR1## in which the C.dbd.C double bonds in the 2,3 and 4,5 position may also be hydrogenated and in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and X have the meanings indicated. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of these elaiophylin derivatives, and the use thereof as pharmaceuticals, in particular as anthelmintic pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Pyridines of the formula ##STR1## where the individual radicals R.sup.1 may be identical or different and are each hydrogen or an aliphatic radical are prepared by reactinga) a 2-alkoxy-2,3-dihydro-4H-pyran of the formula ##STR2## or b) a glutaraldehyde of the formula ##STR3## where R.sup.1 has the abovementioned meansings and R.sup.2 is an aliphatic radical, with ammonia in the presence of an acidic, solid catalyst.

Abstract: Substituted pyridines of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, are prepared by reacting a mixture of acrolein and alkanals of the formula ##STR2## with ammonia in the presence of zeolites as catalysts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making 3-methylpyridine by contacting 2-methylglutaronitrile in admixture with hydrogen gas with a supported solid catalyst containing palladium metal promoted with at least one of Cr, W, Ni, Co and Ge.

Abstract: A process for dealkylating the 2-position on a trisubstituted pyridine derivative having the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is a straight chain alkyl group from about C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 and where R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are alkyl, aryl or aralkyl groups up to about C.sub.10, comprising the step of reacting said pyridine derivative at reflux with excess sulfur. Of particular note is the preparation of 2,3,5-trimethylpyridine including the initial preparation of its 2-ethyl precursor by the Chichibabin reaction of propionaldehyde and ammonia.

Abstract: 3-Methyl-2-alkylamino-1-halo-1-cyano cyclobutanes are cleaved under acid conditions to form 2-halo-4-formylvaleronitrile and 4-formyl-2-pentenonitrile which can be cyclized to form 2-substituted-5-methylpyridine derivatives. These pyridine derivatives are useful as starting materials in the manufacture of herbicides such as fluazifop-butyl.