An improved synthesis of hydroxymethyl bipyridines

This account describes quick and efficient syntheses of 4,4′-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine and 4-hydroxymethyl-2,2′-bipyridine from 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and 4-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine, respectively, via (trimethylsilyl)methyl-, bromomethyl-, and acetoxymethyl- intermediates.