N

Niacin

IUPAC: pyridine-3-carboxylic acid

C6H5NO2 Organic Compounds CAS 59-67-6
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC6H5NO2
CAS Number59-67-6
Molecular Weight123.11
Melting Point457 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling PointSublimes (NTP, 1992)
Density1.473 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceNicotinic acid is an odorless white crystalline powder with a feebly acid taste. pH (saturated aqueous solution) 2.7. pH (1.3% solution) 3-3.5. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known Aspyridine-3-carboxylic acid; nicotinic acid; 59-67-6; Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid; 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid; 3-Carboxypyridine; vitamin B3; wampocap; Apelagrin; Pellagrin
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Niacin?

Nicotinic acid is a pyridinemonocarboxylic acid that is pyridine in which the hydrogen at position 3 is replaced by a carboxy group. It has a role as a metabolite, a vasodilator agent, an antilipemic drug, an antidote, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human urinary metabolite and an EC 3.5.1.19 (nicotinamidase) inhibitor. It is a vitamin B3, a pyridine alkaloid and a pyridinemonocarboxylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a nicotinate.

Formula & Notation

C6H5NO2

IUPAC Name: pyridine-3-carboxylic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: pyridine-3-carboxylic acid; nicotinic acid; 59-67-6; Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid; 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid; 3-Carboxypyridine; vitamin B3; wampocap; Apelagrin; Pellagrin

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Nicotinic acid is an odorless white crystalline powder with a feebly acid taste. pH (saturated aqueous solution) 2.7. pH (1.3% solution) 3-3.5. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C6H5NO2. Molecular weight: 123.11 g/mol. Boiling point: Sublimes (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 457 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.473 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 10 to 50 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.0000057 [mmHg]. LogP: 0.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point457 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling PointSublimes (NTP, 1992)
Density1.473 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight123.11
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceNicotinic acid is an odorless white crystalline powder with a feebly acid taste. pH (saturated aqueous solution) 2.7. pH (1.3% solution) 3-3.5. (NTP, 1992)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Niacin
Formula C6H5NO2
CAS Number 59-67-6
Molecular Weight 123.11
Synonyms pyridine-3-carboxylic acid; nicotinic acid; 59-67-6; Pyridine-3-carboxylic acid; 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid; 3-Carboxypyridine; vitamin B3; wampocap; Apelagrin; Pellagrin

Frequently Asked Questions

Nicotinic acid is a pyridinemonocarboxylic acid that is pyridine in which the hydrogen at position 3 is replaced by a carboxy group. It has a role as a metabolite, a vasodilator agent, an antilipemic drug, an antidote, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human urinary metabolite and an EC 3.5.1.19 (nicotinamidase) inhibitor. It is a vitamin B3, a pyridine alkaloid and a pyridinemonocarboxylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a nicotinate.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.