Nicotinic acid
[CAS# 59-67-6]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Vitamins and minerals >> Vitamin B drugs
• Name: Nicotinic acid
• Synonyms: Niacin; Vitamin PP; 3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid; 3-Carboxypyridine
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₅NO₂
• Molecular Weight: 123.11
• CAS Registry Number: 59-67-6
• EC Number: 200-441-0
• SMILES: C1=CC(=CN=C1)C(=O)O

Properties

• Density: 1.473
• Melting point: 234-238 °C
• Water solubility: 1-5 g/100 mL at 17 °C
• Flash point: 293 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H319
• Safety Statements: P264+P265-P280-P305+P351+P338-P337+P317

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412

Discovery and Applications

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, was first discovered in 1873 by German chemist Adolph Friedrich Johann Knop. Knop isolated niacin from tobacco leaves and found it to be a component that helped prevent pellagra, a disease characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. In the early 20th century, researchers such as Conrad Elvehjem further elucidated the role of the compound in human nutrition, demonstrating its efficacy in treating and preventing pellagra in humans.

Niacin is an important component of the B vitamin complex and is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. It is often used as a dietary supplement to prevent and treat niacin deficiency. Its role in converting food into energy, maintaining skin health, and supporting digestive and nervous system function highlight its importance in daily nutrition.

In medicine, niacin is used to control cholesterol levels. It is used to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This cholesterol-regulating effect helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Niacin's use in lipid regulation makes it a prime ingredient for dyslipidemia management.

Niacin is also used in skin care products for its anti-inflammatory and skin repair properties. It is used in topical treatments for conditions such as acne and rosacea. Its ability to improve skin moisturization and barrier function has made it a popular ingredient in various cosmetic formulations.

In agriculture, niacin is used as a growth promoter. It supports plant metabolism and can improve the overall health and yield of crops.

References

1991. Niacin-Induced Hepatitis: A Potential Side Effect With Low-Dose Time-Release Niacin. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 66(1).
DOI: 10.1016/s0025-6196(12)61171-9

1991. Effects of colestipol-niacin therapy on human femoral atherosclerosis. Circulation, 83(2).
DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.83.2.438

1984. Nicotinic Acid Metabolism. Dimethylmaleate Hydratase. Hoppe-Seyler's Zeitschrift für physiologische Chemie, 365(2).
DOI: 10.1515/bchm2.1984.365.2.847