The invention disclosed in this document is related to the field of processes to produce certain 2-(pyridine-3-yl)thiazoles as intermediates for the synthesis of pesticidal thiazole amides. Compounds (I) and (II) are cyclized to produce compound (III). This step is conducted in the presence of a base when compound (II) is in the form of a salt. Suitable bases include, but are not limited to, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, cesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium bisulfate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, ammonium hydroxide, sodium methoxide, potassium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium ethoxide, triethylamine and pyridine. The reaction can be conducted at ambient temperature and pressure, but higher or lower temperatures and pressures can be used, if desired. The reaction is conducted in a polar protic solvent. Examples of such solvents include, but are not limited to, n-butanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, ethandl, methanol, and water.
