Nicotinamide
[CAS# 98-92-0]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Vitamins and minerals >> Vitamin B drugs
• Name: Nicotinamide
• Synonyms: 3-Pyridinecarboxamide; Niacinamide
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₆N₂O
• Molecular Weight: 122.13
• CAS Registry Number: 98-92-0
• EC Number: 202-713-4
• SMILES: C1=CC(=CN=C1)C(=O)N

Properties

• Melting point: 128-131 °C
• Boiling point: 150-160 °C
• Flash point: 182 °C
• Water solubility: 1000 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

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
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2B	H319

Discovery and Applications

Nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. The discovery of vitamin B3 is attributed to Conrad Elvehjem, an American biochemist in the 1930s, who identified it as an important nutrient for preventing pellagra, a disease caused by niacin deficiency. Nicotinamide is one of the two main forms of vitamin B3 (the other being niacin) and has since been recognized for its important role in human health and its wide range of applications.

Nicotinamide (C6H6N2O) is a water-soluble vitamin with a molecular weight of 122.12 g/mol. It is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water and alcohol. Nicotinamide is part of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and is essential for various metabolic processes in the body.

Nicotinamide is widely used in the medical field for its therapeutic properties. Skin Diseases: Niacinamide is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin diseases. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and irritation, making it a popular ingredient in dermatological products. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that niacinamide may help prevent certain types of skin cancer, such as non-melanoma skin cancer, due to its ability to enhance DNA repair in skin cells. Diabetes: Niacinamide has been studied for its potential role in preventing type 1 diabetes. It is thought to protect pancreatic beta cells from autoimmune destruction.

Niacinamide is a favored ingredient in the cosmetic industry for its beneficial effects on the skin. Moisturizing: It improves the skin's barrier function, helping to retain moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss. Anti-Aging: Niacinamide can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by enhancing the production of proteins such as keratin and promoting cell turnover. Skin Lightening: It helps reduce pigmentation and uneven skin tone by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to the skin's surface.

As a dietary supplement, niacinamide can be used to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B3. It supports overall health by participating in energy metabolism, cell repair, and the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. Niacinamide is used to prevent and treat pellagra, which is characterized by symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.

Niacinamide continues to be the subject of scientific research for its potential in a variety of therapeutic areas. Research is exploring its role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by supporting mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. Studies are investigating niacinamide's ability to modulate the immune system and its potential benefits in autoimmune diseases.

Niacinamide is generally considered safe for topical and oral use. However, high doses can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, and liver toxicity. It is important to use products containing niacinamide according to the directions and consult a doctor for appropriate dosage recommendations.

References

Diona L. Damian, Photoprotective effects of nicotinamide, Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2010, 9, 578.
DOI: 10.1039/b9pp00146h

Katrina L. Bogan and Charles Brenner, 5′-Nucleotidases and their new roles in NAD+ and phosphate metabolism, New J. Chem., 2010, 34, 845.
DOI: 10.1039/b9nj00758j

Michael R. Pears, Sandra Codlin, Rebecca L. Haines, Ian J. White, Russell J. Mortishire-Smith, Sara E. Mole, and Julian L. Griffin, Deletion of btn1, an orthologue of CLN3, increases glycolysis and perturbs amino acid metabolism in the fission yeast model of Batten disease, Mol. Biosyst., 2010, 6, 1093.
DOI: 10.1039/b915670d