pyridine

[ pir-i-deen, -din ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, flammable, liquid organic base, C 5 H 5 N, having a disagreeable odor, usually obtained from coal or synthesized from acetaldehyde and ammonia: used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis.

pyridine

/ ˈpɪrɪˌdiːn /

noun

1. a colourless hygroscopic liquid with a characteristic odour. It is a basic heterocyclic compound containing one nitrogen atom and five carbon atoms in its molecules and is used as a solvent and in preparing other organic chemicals. Formula: C 5 H 5 N

pyridine

/ pĭr′ĭ-dēn′ /

1. Any of a class of organic compounds containing a six-member ring in which one of the carbon atoms has been replaced by a nitrogen atom. Pyridines include compounds used as water repellents, herbicides, and various drugs. The pyridine ring structure is also part of many larger compounds, including niacin and nicotine.
2. The simplest of these compounds, a flammable, colorless or yellowish liquid base having a penetrating odor. It is used as a solvent and waterproofing agent and in the manufacture of various drugs and vitamins. Chemical formula: C 5 H 5 N.

Other Words From

• py·rid·ic [pahy-, rid, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyridine¹

First recorded in 1850–55; pyr- + -id ³ + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyridine¹

C19: from pyro- + -id ³ + -ine ²

Example Sentences

It was filtered off and distilled with caustic soda, but the distillate did not contain pyridine.

From Project Gutenberg

Most of these are of a basic character, and belong to the pyridine and the quinoline series.

From Project Gutenberg

This reagent is added until the acid reaction has just disappeared and a faint smell of pyridine is perceived.

From Project Gutenberg

The 1.5 diketones of this type, when heated with aqueous ammonia, form pyridine derivatives.

From Project Gutenberg

This is not exactly the case with the higher groups of alkaloids—the derivatives of pyridine and quinoline.

From Project Gutenberg