A reaction of methyllithium with 3 cyano 6 methylpyridine 2(1H) thione followed by alkylation of the resulting 3 acetylpyridinethione, or a direct reaction of methyllithium with 3 cyano 6 methyl 2 (methylthio)pyridine, afforded 3 acetyl 6 methyl 2 (methylthio)pyridine. The ketone obtained was examined in bromination reactions under various conditions. Bromi nation in methanol or chloroform, proceeding through the formation of sulfonium bromides, gave substituted 3 (bromoacetyl)pyridine. A reaction of 3 acetyl 6 methyl 2 (methyl thio)pyridine with N bromosuccinimide in CCl 4 afforded N (pyridinesulfenyl)succinimide. The bromo ketone was used for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds.Key words: 3 cyano 6 methyl 2 (methylthio)pyridine, methyllithium, 3 acetyl 6 methyl 2 (methylthio)pyridine, N (pyridinesulfenyl)succinimide, 3 bromoacetyl 6 methyl 2 (methylthio) pyridine, 4 (pyridin 3 yl)thiazole, thieno[2,3 b]pyridine, indolizine, imidazo[1,2 a]pyridine.