Nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid is a vitamin component of the vitamin B complex(vitamin B3). It is found in all vital cells and is stored in the liver. Nicotinic acid is a component of various coenzymes (NAD, NADP) and is therefore of essential importance for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Nicotinic acid is a heterocyclic organic compound, a pyridine-3-carboxylic acid with the molecular formula C6H5NO2. It consists of a pyridine ring substituted with a carboxy group (-COOH). The isomers of nicotinic acid are picolinic acid and isonicotinic acid.

Nicotinic acid forms a white crystalline powder which is hardly soluble in ethanol, water and acetone, but soluble in boiling water. Furthermore, nicotinic acid is soluble in alkaline lyes with salt formation.

With topical application the carboxylic acid leads to an increase of the skin blood circulation (via release of prostaglandin D2).

Cosmetic nicotinic acid compounds mainly with fatty alcohols (ester formation) are used in cosmetic formulations.