3-Cyanopyridine (3-CP)

3-Cyanopyridine (also known as nicotinonitrile) is a versatile chemical intermediate primarily used in the large-scale production of Vitamin B3 (niacin and niacinamide). It serves as a critical building block across the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material science industries.

• Vitamin B3 Production: It is the direct precursor for Niacin (nicotinic acid) and Niacinamide (nicotinamide). This is achieved through catalytic hydrolysis using enzymes like nitrilase or through chemical oxidation.
• Pharmaceutical Synthesis: It is used to manufacture various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including:
  • Isoniazid (INH): A primary medication for treating tuberculosis.
  • Nicotinol: Used as a peripheral vasodilator.
  • Other Derivatives: Serves as a scaffold for anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antihistaminic agents.
  • Agrochemicals: Used in the synthesis of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Specifically, it is an intermediate for:
    • Pymetrozine: A selective insecticide.
    • Chlorpyrifos: An organophosphate insecticide (synthesized via cyanopyridine intermediates)