The invention relates to a method for producing hydroxymethylpyridines from the corresponding vinylpyridines by means of ozonisation in an alcohol as solvent and by means of hydrogenation of the peroxide-containing solution produced thereby, in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst. The hydrogenation solution is adjusted to a pH value of 10 to 14 by adding a base and the alcohol is distilled off and the desired hydroxymethylpyridine is isolated in high purity by extracting with an organic solvent and by means of subsequent distillative purification. |