A Catalytic Green Process for the Production of Niacin

Abstract

A brief overview is provided of the commonly known methods for producing nicotinic acid (niacin), together with a comment on the fulfilment of the requirements for a green process. This is preceded by a short discussion on what is here understood as 'green', together with the importance of niacin. Lonza's contribution to Green Chemistry is illustrated by a new process for producing niacin, namely the direct air oxidation of picoline.