3-Methoxy-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole is used as a reagent in the preparation of pyridine compounds which act as focal adhesion kinase inhibitors and therefore me be useful in treatment of diseases such as cancer in warm-blooded animals. 3-Methoxy-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole is also used as a reagent in the synthesis of purine derivatives which may act as inhibitors of mutant EGF receptors.