Pyridinethiones. IX preparation of ricinidine, thioricinidine and other 2(1 H )‐pyridones and ‐thiones related to nicotinic acid

2(1 H )‐Pyridones and ‐thiones related to 1‐substituted nicotinic acid derivatives have been prepared via the corresponding l‐substituted‐3‐formyl‐2(1 H )‐pyridones and ‐thiones. A number of synthetic procedures for the interconversion of functional groups in these nicotinic acid derivatives are given i.e . preparation of the aldoximes, nitriles, carboxamides and carboxylic acids as well as the 3‐ hydroxyalkyl derivatives. The course of the basic peroxide oxidation of the l‐substituted‐3‐formyl‐2(1 H )‐pyridinethiones is found to be very dependent upon the electronegativity of the 1‐substituent. A preparation of ricinidine is also described.