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.

---

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

---

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 Any of a class of organic compounds containing a six-member ring in which one of the carbon atoms has been replaced by a nitrogen atom.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

---

Other Word Forms

• pyridic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pyridine

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

Example Sentences

Despite many efforts, most studies have reported photocycloadditions happening on quinoline's benzene ring side, while few have targeted the pyridine side.

From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2024

The researchers discovered that this boron-containing compound was extremely effective at inducing dearomative photocycloaddition almost exclusively on the pyridine side of quinoline.

From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2024

However, the panel of 12 experts said in January no definitive cause had been found, but they ruled out pyridine and concluded it was possible a disease or parasite new to UK waters was responsible.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2023

The government previously blamed "harmful algae", while fishers commissioned a report which suggested it was due to the chemical pyridine.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2023

The crude anthracene is brought up to 50 or 60, sometimes to 80%, by washing with solvent naphtha, or more efficiently with the higher boiling portion of the pyridine bases.

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