3-cyanopyridine

3-Cyanopyridine (CAS 100-54-9), also known as nicotinic acid nitrile and commonly abbreviated as 3-CP, is a pyridine-based nitrile intermediate used across pharmaceutical synthesis and agrochemical manufacturing. It serves primarily as a building block for constructing more complex heterocyclic structures, including vitamin B3 derivatives and active pharmaceutical ingredients. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, 3-CP is a direct precursor to nicotinamide.

Nicotinic acid is also produced from this intermediate at industrial scale through controlled hydrolysis. Agrochemical producers use it as an intermediate in synthesizing pyridine-based pesticides and fungicides. The nitrile group enables selective downstream functionalization for various specialty chemical applications. In flavor chemistry, nicotinic acid nitrile contributes to the production of compounds with roasted and meaty flavor profiles.

These profiles are highly relevant to food ingredient formulation and development. Biotechnology and life sciences applications include its use as a reagent in catalyst development and as a substrate in enzymatic hydrolysis research. This research often targets nitrile hydratase activity for advanced chemical processing. 3-Cyanopyridine is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline solid available in technical and pharmaceutical-grade specifications.

Purity levels typically range from 98% to 99%+ depending on the intended application. Packaging options range from kilogram-scale laboratory quantities to multi-tonne bulk supply for industrial users.