Preparation of trifluoromethylpyridine libraries

S-Alkylation followed by heterocyclization of trifluoromethyl-3-cyano-2(1H) -pyridinethiones was used for preparation of libraries of S-alkyl trifluoro methylpyridines and thieno[2,3-b]pyridines. The S-alkylation (in water-DMF mixtures) was successful for all 18 alkylating agents employed (yields typi cally >50%). S-Alkyl derivatives were further converted to corresponding th ieno[2,3-b]pyridines via heterocyclization in base conditions (yields >65%) . Structures of new compounds were elucidated by a combination of IR and H- 1 NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis and were confirmed by means of si ngle-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.