Pyridine

3.1 SolventPyridine is a polar, basic, low-reactive solvent, especially for dehydrochlorination reactions and extraction of antibiotics. In elimination reaction, pyridine acts as the base of the elimination reaction and bonds the resulting hydrogen halide to form a pyridinium salt. In esterifications and acylations, pyridine activates the carboxylic acid halides or anhydrides.3.2 MedicinesPyridine's chemical structure can be found in various medications that are synthesized thanks in part to pyridine. One example is a medication called esomeprazole, the generic name for Nexium. This is a medication that's used to treat GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Another example of a pyridine containing medication is loratadine, more commonly known by its brand name of Claritin. Loratadine helps in the treatment of allergies.3.3 PesticidesThe main use of pyridine is as a precursor to the herbicides paraquat and diquat. The first synthesis step of insecticide chlorpyrifos consists of the chlorination of pyridine. Pyridine is also the starting compound for the preparation of pyrithione-based fungicides. Cetylpyridinium and laurylpyridinium, which can be produced from pyridine with a Zincke reaction, are used as antiseptic in oral and dental care products. Pyridine is easily attacked by alkylating agents to give N-alkylpyridinium salts. One example is cetylpyridinium chloride.
Pyridine is a colourless flammable liquid with a strong and unpleasant fish-like odour.