4-Amino-5-fluoro-3-chloro-6-(substituted)picolinates are prepared from trifluoroacetic acid, p-methoxyaniline, a C1-C4 alkyl propiolate and a substituted methylene amine by a series of steps. In particular, provided herein are processes for the preparation of 4-amino-5-fluoro-3-chloro-6-(substituted)picolinates from a non-pyridine source without a metal assisted coupling and without fluorination with an expensive fluorinating agent. These picolinates are useful as herbicides.
