The three isomeric pivaloylaminopyridines were lithiated in more than 80% yields. Aminopyridine derivatives were treated by 2.5-3 equivalents of the complex BuLi-TMEDA at −10° in diethyl ether. Reaction of the lithiated species with various electrophiles afforded a number of ortho-substituted pivaloylaminopyridines in good yields. Secondary pyridine alcohols were oxidized to the corresponding aminopyridyl