The present invention is directed to 2-pyridyloxy-3-ester-4-nitrile compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors. The present invention is also directed to uses of the 2-pyridyloxy-3-ester-4-nitrile compounds described herein in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these pharmaceutical compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
