This invention involves a coupling reaction involving an organo-metallic catalyst, preferably a palladium catalyst involving reacting 2-halo-3-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethylpyridine, acrylic acid or its alkali metal salt and benzyl or a phenylalkyl derivative in presence of a dipolar aprotic solvent producing none other than the expected 2-propenoate-3-benzyl or phenylalkylether-6-hydroxymethyl-pyridine product. Said products are converted into medicaments useful for treating psoriasis.