Nicotinic acid (Niacin)

Niacin refers to both nicotinic acid and its amide derivative. Nicotinic acid occurs as white or almost white crystals or as a crystalline powder of the same colour without odour and is of weakly acid taste. Nicotinic acid is  freely soluble in boiling water and sparingly soluble in water at about 20°C.  Nicotinic acid is freely soluble with salt formation at low  temperatures in acids and alkalis. The solubility of nicotinic acid in ethanol corresponds to that in water. Acetone and ether are also good solvents for nicotinic acid.