Condensation of lactone (I) with 2,6-difluorobenzylamine (II) provides the 2-(hydroxymethyl)nicotinamide (III). This is then chlorinated in refluxing SOCl2 to furnish the 2-(chloromethyl) pyridine (IV). Intramolecular cyclization of (IV) in the presence of K2CO3 in hot DMF gives rise to the title compound. (1,2)