Cyanopyridine

Brief Overview
Cyanopyridine is an organic compound with the formula NCC 5 H 4 N. It is also known as
nicotinonitrile. There are various forms of cyanopyridine such as 2-cyanopyridine, 3-
cyanopyridine and 4-cyanopyridine. These different forms differ in the position where the
nitrile group is attached in the pyridine ring. It is a colourless solid and is produced by the
ammoxidation of 3-methylpyridine.

Manufacturing Process
3-Cyanopyridine is is produced by the ammoxidation of 3-methylpyridine. This reaction is
represented in the chemical equation below:

H 3 CC 5 H 4 N + NH 3  + 1.5 O 2  → NCC 5 H 4 N + 3 H 2 O

Pharmaceutical Industry
3-Cyanopyridine is used to manufacture the vitamin niacin. Nitrilase-catalyzed hydrolysis of
3-cyanopyridine by means of immobilized Rhodococcus rhodochrous J1 strains leads in
quantitative yield to nicotinamide (vitamin B 3 ) The enzyme allows for a more selective
synthesis as further hydrolysis of the amide to nicotinic acid is avoided.

Chemical Industry

4-cyanopyridine is used in the production of other chemicals.