Picolinic acid

Picolinic acid is an organic compound that is a derivative of pyridine. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. It is used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals and is also a product of the body's metabolism of tryptophan.

Chemistry

Picolinic acid is a pyridinecarboxylic acid with the formula C₅H₄N(COOH). It is an isomer of nicotinic acid, which is a form of vitamin B3. The compound is a chelating agent, which means it can form multiple bonds with a single metal ion. This property is exploited in the synthesis of certain types of pharmaceuticals.

Biosynthesis

In the human body, picolinic acid is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan. It is formed via the kynurenine pathway, which is responsible for the catabolism of tryptophan. The enzyme kynureninase catalyzes the conversion of 3-hydroxykynurenine to 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, which is then converted to picolinic acid.

Uses

Picolinic acid is used in the synthesis of a variety of pharmaceuticals. It is also used in the preparation of metal picolinates, which are used as dietary supplements due to their high bioavailability.

Health effects

Picolinic acid has been studied for its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that it may have neuroprotective effects and could be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

See also

• Pyridine
• Tryptophan
• Kynurenine pathway