Methylpyridinium


Methylpyridinium is an ion with the formula. It is the N-methylated derivative of pyridine. It confers no color to its salts. The ion is classified as a quaternary ammonium ion.

Preparation and occurrence

Methylpyridinium is prepared by treating pyridine with dimethylsulfate:
It is found in some coffee products. It is not present in unroasted coffee beans, but is formed during roasting from its precursor chemical, trigonelline.

Ionic liquid

The chloride salt of N-methylpyridinium behaves as an ionic liquid. Mixtures of that salt and zinc chloride have been characterised over the temperature range.