pyridine

American  

[pir-i-deen, -din] / ˈpɪr ɪˌdin, -dɪn /

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.

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pyridine British  

/ 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

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pyridine Scientific  

/ 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 Any of a class of organic compounds containing a six-member ring in which one of the carbon atoms has been replaced by a nitrogen atom.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.

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Other Word Forms

• pyridic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pyridine

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pyridine

A hole then moves from ZnSe to phenol while a proton simultaneously shifts from phenol to pyridine.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

In their latest study, which was published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition on 27 May 2024, they present a convenient methodology to access the pyridine side of quinolines and synthesize diverse 2D/3D frameworks.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2024

Measures should include "thorough sampling and testing for chemical pollutants such as pyridine," it said.

From BBC ● Feb. 1, 2023

The group, chaired by Gideon Henderson, chief scientific adviser to the government’s environment department, said it was “very unlikely” that pyridine or another toxic pollutant caused the die-off.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 20, 2023

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5 "Clervaux" to "Cockade" by Various