It consists of a pair of 2-pyridyl groups (C5H4N) linked to a secondary amine.

The compound forms a range of coordination complexes.

[1] Its conjugate base, 2,2′-dipyridylamide, forms extended metal atom chains.

[2] 2,2′-Dipyridylamine can be formed by heating pyridine with sodium amide.

Alternatively, 2-aminopyridine can be heated with 2-chloropyridine over barium oxide.