Direct access to 2-aminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines via N-amination/cyclization reactions of 2-pyridineacetonitriles

We describe the straightforward synthesis of 6-substituted-2-aminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines from 2-pyridineacetonitriles by N-amination with O-(mesitylsulfonyl)hydroxylamine and subsequent base-promoted cyclization. This N-amination/intramolecular cyclization reaction allows access to a variety of 6-substituted-2-aminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines in a one-pot procedure, in moderate to good yields.