Evidence for this mechanism is as follows: The addition of pyridine to the mixture of alcohol and thionyl chloride results in the formation of alkyl halide with inverted configuration. Inversion results because the pyridine reacts with ROSOCl to give ROSONC5H5 before anything further can take place.
Why pyridine is added to ethanol?
Pyridine is added as a denaturant, but it does not undergo chemical reaction.
What is the role of pyridine during acylation of alcohol?
Pyridine is used to remove the side product formed in the acylation reaction i.e. HCl from the reaction mixture. It acts as an acceptor for the acid byproduct formed in the reaction. ... It acts as a catalyst and is often used in the acylation reactions.
