The Chemistry of Benzo and Carbocyclic Derivatives of Pyridine

Abstract

The chemistry of pyridine and its derivatives is of considerable importance in the synthesis of intermediates leading to biologically active compounds and novel materials. Generally, derivatives of pyridine are stable and relatively unreactive but can be attacked by electrophiles at ring nitrogen and certain carbon atoms. Pyridines undergo radical substitution reactions preferentially at the 2-position. Simple pyridines and their benzo derivatives are weak bases that form salts with strong acids. Various Lewis acids form complexes with pyridine and its benzo derivatives. The quaternization of pyridine and its benzo derivatives using alkyl and acyl halides have been used as versatile synthetic intermediates to biologically active compounds as final products. Precursors to cyanine dyes have been prepared by means of the 1,4-addition of pyridines and quinolines to acrylamide. N-oxides, obtained by the oxidation of pyridine and its benzo analogues, are versatile intermediates in organic synthesis.