Electrosynthesis of pyridines from ‘only acetonitrile’

2,4,6-Trimethylpyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile has been obtained as the main product after the electrolysis of acetonitrile in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bisulfate as supporting electrolyte using a divided cell with a medium porosity diaphragm. 2,6-Dimethylpyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile and 2,6-dimethylpyridine-3,4,5-tricarbonitrile have also been obtained in minor quantity. This process, which takes place with participation of both electrodes, is an example of a paired electrosynthesis.