pyridine-2-carboxylic acid
Pyridine-2-carboxylic acid, also known as nicotinic acid or niacin, is an organic compound with the formula C6H5NO2. It features a pyridine ring, which is a six-membered aromatic ring containing one nitrogen atom, and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) attached to the second carbon of the ring. This structure gives it unique chemical properties and makes it an important compound in various chemical reactions.
This compound is significant in the field of biochemistry, as it is a precursor to NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a vital coenzyme in cellular metabolism. Pyridine-2-carboxylic acid is also used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, highlighting its importance in both medicinal and agricultural applications.