Abstract: The compounds of the invention are tri-substituted pyridine intermediates, useful in the preparation of final products, wherein said final products are involved in the preparation of medicaments. Said medicaments are useful for the treatment of various diseases including psoriasis. A compound of the formula (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, benzyl or a group of the formula (A): ##STR2## in which n is 1 to 20; and R.sup.5 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or trifluoromethyl; and R.sup.7 is a leaving group consisting of halogen, OTf or (Trifluorate, e.g. OSO.sub.2 CF.sub.3), OSO.sub.2 alkyl and OSO.sub.2 Ar wherein Ar represents optionally substituted aryl.

Abstract: This invention involves a coupling reaction involving an organo-metallic catalyst, preferably a palladium catalyst involving reacting 2-halo-3-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethylpyridine, acrylic acid or its alkali metal salt and benzyl or a phenylalkyl derivative in presence of a dipolar aprotic solvent producing none other than the expected 2-propenoate-3-benzyl or phenylalkylether-6-hydroxymethyl-pyridine product. Said products are converted into medicaments useful for treating psoriasis.