Nicotinamide
Founded in 2017, Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd. supplies over 100 countries with high-quality chemicals. We are dedicated to safety, innovation, and global cooperation.
Product Description
Niacinamide is the active amide form of vitamin B3, a white, odorless, and water-soluble crystalline powder. It is directly converted into NAD⁺/NADP⁺ in the body, making it an essential vitamin for maintaining energy metabolism and DNA repair. It is also a star active ingredient in skincare products for brightening, oil control, anti-aging, and barrier repair. Furthermore, it is used as a fine chemical intermediate in feed fortification, electroplating brighteners, dyes, and coenzyme synthesis, possessing high safety, no flushing side effects, and widespread global regulatory approval.
Synthesis Methods
Primary Industrial Synthesis Methods:
The dominant industrial production is based on the chemical synthesis from basic petrochemical feedstocks, with the ammoxidation route being the most prevalent.
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3-Methylpyridine (or 2-Methyl-5-ethylpyridine) is reacted with ammonia and oxygen over a catalyst (e.g., vanadium oxide) to produce 3-cyanopyridine.
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Ammonoxidation: 3-Methylpyridine (or 2-Methyl-5-ethylpyridine) is reacted with ammonia and oxygen over a catalyst (e.g., vanadium oxide) to produce 3-cyanopyridine.
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Hydrolysis/Hydration: 3-Cyanopyridine is then converted to nicotinamide. This step can be achieved through:
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Chemical Catalysis: Using metal catalysts (e.g., manganese, copper salts) or hydrogen peroxide.
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Enzymatic Catalysis (Preferred Modern Method): Using nitrile hydratase enzyme under mild conditions. This method offers high selectivity, efficiency, and is more environmentally friendly.
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Alternative Methods:
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Nicotinic Acid Amidation: Reaction of nicotinic acid with ammonia or urea.
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Quinoline Degradation: An older method involving the oxidation of quinoline to quinolinic acid followed by decarboxylation.
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Uses and Applications
A. Cosmetic & Personal Care (Major Growth Area):
A multifunctional skincare agent with concentration-dependent effects:
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Barrier Repair & Moisturization: Increases skin ceramide levels.
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Brightening & Hyperpigmentation Treatment: Inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, improving sun spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone.
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Sebum Regulation & Pore Appearance: Reduces oil production, leading to minimized pores.
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Anti-Aging: Improves skin elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen.
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Anti-Inflammatory: Helps ameliorate acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory conditions.
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Common Concentrations: 2-5% for general repair/brightening; 5% for significant effects; 10%+ for targeted treatments (requires tolerance building).
B. Nutritional & Health Supplements:
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Essential Nutrient: Prevents pellagra (niacin deficiency).
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Cellular Energy Metabolism: As a direct precursor to NAD+, it is crucial for converting food into ATP.
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Neurological Health: Supports nervous system function and neurotransmitter synthesis.
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Lipid Regulation: At high, prescription-only doses, it can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
C. Pharmaceutical:
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Prescription Drug: Used to treat hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease.
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Research Compound: High-dose nicotinamide is under investigation for potential roles in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's), anti-aging via NAD+ boosting, and metabolic health.
D. Industrial & Other Applications:
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Feed Additive: Essential Vitamin B3 supplement in animal nutrition for growth and health.
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Food Fortification: Added to flour, cereals, and dairy products.
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Chemical Intermediate: Key precursor for synthesizing NAD+ and NADP+ coenzymes, used in biochemistry, diagnostics, and high-end supplements.
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Electroplating Additive: Acts as a brightener or stabilizer in some plating baths.
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Polymer Industry: Used as a co-initiator or chain transfer inhibitor in acrylic emulsions.
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Agrochemicals: Component in some plant growth regulators.
Properties and Characteristics
A. Physical & Chemical Properties:
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Chemical Name: Nicotinamide (Niacinamide, Pyridine-3-carboxamide)
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Melting Point: 128-131°C
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Solubility: Very soluble in water (~1g/mL), ethanol, and glycerol. Slightly soluble in ether and chloroform.
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Stability: Stable to heat, light, and air. Hydrolyzes to nicotinic acid under strong acidic or alkaline conditions.
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pH: Aqueous solution is approximately neutral.
B. Biological & Functional Properties:
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Vitamin Activity: Bioactive form of Vitamin B3.
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NAD+ Precursor: Direct precursor to the essential coenzymes NAD+ and NADP+, central to redox reactions and cellular metabolism.
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Non-Flushing: Unlike nicotinic acid, it does not cause cutaneous "flushing" reaction.
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Multi-Target Skin Benefits: Functions as a barrier enhancer, melanin transfer inhibitor, sebum production regulator, and anti-inflammatory agent.
C. Industrial/Grade Specifications (Typical):
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Purity (HPLC): ≥99.0% (Pharma/Cosmetic Grade ≥99.5%)
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Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤10-20 ppm
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Loss on Drying: ≤0.5%
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Residue on Ignition: ≤0.1%
Safety and Handling
A. General Safety:
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Regulatory Status: Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food/food supplementation. Approved for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics worldwide (EU, US, China).
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Oral Safety (Supplemental Doses): Very safe at recommended dietary levels (RDA: 14-16 mg/day for adults). Extremely high doses (grams/day) used therapeutically must be medically supervised due to risk of hepatotoxicity.
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Dermal Safety: Well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations. Has low irritation potential.
B. Precautions:
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Skin Sensitivity: Initial use of high-concentration (>5%) skincare products may cause transient redness, itching, or peeling. Recommend starting with lower concentrations.
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Incompatibilities: In skincare, concurrent use with low-pH (<3.5) ingredients like pure L-ascorbic acid or high-strength AHAs/BHAs may cause conversion to nicotinic acid and increase potential for irritation. Staggered application is advised.
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Oral Contraindications: Caution advised for individuals with gout (may elevate uric acid) or severe liver disease.
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Industrial Handling: Use with adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) like P2 dust masks to avoid inhalation of fine powder. It is non-hazardous for transport.
C. Storage and Stability:
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Storage: Keep in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from light, heat, and moisture.
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Shelf Life: Stable for at least 24 months under recommended conditions.