Brief Overview
2,6-Lutidine is a natural heterocyclic aromatic organic compound and has the formula (CH 3 ) 2 C 5 H 3 N. It is one of several dimethyl-substituted derivatives of pyridine. It appears as a colorless liquid with mildly basic properties and a pungent odor. Though pyridine is the source of carbon, nitrogen, and energy for certain microorganisms, methylation significantly retards the degradation of the pyridine ring. 2,6-Lutidine was found to be significantly more resistant to microbiological degradation than any of the picoline isomers or 2,4-lutidine in soil. Significant volatilization loss was observed in liquid media. The estimated time for complete degradation was <30 days.

Manufacturing Process
2,6-Lutidine is produced industrially by the reaction of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and ammonia, isolated from a basic fraction of coal tar