Pyridine-d5 is a deuterated NMR solvent useful in NMR-based research and analyses. It has been synthesized by palladium catalyzed H/D (hydrogen/deuterium) exchange reaction between pyridine vapor and heavy water. Infrared and Raman spectra of pyridine-d5 have been recorded in the range 300-4000cm-1.Pyridine-d5 may be used as a solvent in the 1H NMR based structural analysis of lignin acetates obtained from spruce and birch.