Ferric chloride is removed from mixtures with chlorinated and/or fluorinated pyridines and methylpyridines by extraction with diol solvents. For example, the ferric chloride in halopyridine mixtures containing 2,3,5,6-tetrachloropyridine was removed by extraction with ethylene glycol. The purified halopyridines are useful intermediates for the production of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.