the present invention relates to a process for the synthesis of 5 - fluoro - 1h - pyrazolopyridin - 3 - amine in high yield and purity . the present invention also relates to processes for the synthesis of 5 - fluoro - 1h - pyrazolopyridin - 3 - amine derivatives . these processes are useful for preparing biologically active compounds , particularly certain gsk - 3 inhibitors , or derivatives thereof .