A new efficient synthesis of two novel classes of NK1 receptor antagonists, among them befetupitant and netupitant, starting from 6-chloronicotinic acid is described. The introduction of the o-tolyl substituent at C (4) of the pyridine ring was achieved by a one-pot selective 1, 4- Grignard addition/oxidation sequence to 6-chloronicotinic acid or a derivative of it. The scope of this addition/oxidation sequence was examined. It was also shown that the ...