Pyridine toxic hazard properties

Pyridine is highly toxic (OES-TWA 5 ppm) and it is likely that on any plant where it is handled very stringent steps are taken to avoid harm to operatives. In these circumstances the use of an entrainer or an extraction solvent which would not be considered in other circumstances could be evaluated. Chloroform has good solvent properties, as has monochlorobenzene, and both have a significantly lower fire hazard. 

Properties Wh. to It. yel. orthorhombic cryst. sol. in alcohol, benzene, ether, acetone, carbon disulfide, chloroform sol. 99 g/l in water insol. in pyridine, quinoline fumes in air m.w. 228.13 dens. 3.14 vapor pressure 1 mm Hg (49.2 C) m.p. 73 C b.p. 223.5 C ref. index 1.4600 Toxicology ACGIH TLV/TWA 0.5 mg (Sb)/m LD50 (oral, rat) 525 mg/kg mod. toxic by ing. human pulmonary effects by inh. irritant corrosive experimental reproductive effects mutation data reported TSCA listed Precaution DOT Corrosive material reacts violently with aluminum, potassium, sodium Hazardous Decomp. Prods. Heated to decomp., emits very toxic fumes of chlorine and antimony... 

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