Alkylpyridines and Miscellaneous Organic Nitrogen Compounds

This chapter covers additional aliphatic and aromatic compounds that contain one or more nitrogen atoms in their structures and follows those discussed in Chapter 59. Pyridine and its many modified structures are described because they serve as a backbone for many industrial compounds. Several pesticides and herbicides, as well as their precursors, are included: the pyridinethiones; the substituted uracil herbicides—bromacil, lenacil, and terbacil; the quaternary herbicides–paraquat, diquat, and difenzoquat; the s-triazines—atrazine and propazine; and other triazine herbicides, such as ametryn, prometryne, and simazine. Simple nitrogen compounds such as azides, nitrosamines, and hydrazines are described because of important toxicological effects they can produce. Finally, two important industrial solvents, dimethylacetamide and dimethylformamide, are included because they have a long history of use and have been well studied in the occupational environment. Other than the pyridine series of chemicals and the nitroso compounds, most of the chemicals reviewed here include significant new information since the last chapter review. Keywords: Alkylpyridines; aquatic toxicity; dimethylacetamide; dimethylformamide; genetic toxicity; herbicides; hydrazines; industrial solvents; nitrosamines; pesticides