3-Pyridylacetic acid hydrochloride

3-Pyridylacetic acid hydrochloride (CAS No.: 6419-36-9) is a pyridine-derived small molecule classified as a higher homolog of nicotinic acid and a recognized degradation product of nicotine and related tobacco alkaloids formed during metabolic processing. Owing to its structural relationship with niacin derivatives and its origin in nicotine catabolism, this compound is widely utilized in biochemical and pharmacological research focused on nicotinic signaling pathways, metabolic profiling, and the elucidation of tobacco-associated biochemical processes. It is particularly relevant in studies investigating ligand interactions with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and in analytical workflows aimed at detecting and quantifying nicotine metabolites in biological systems. In addition, its reactive functionality enables its use as an intermediate in synthetic chemistry, including the preparation of bioactive small molecules and agrochemical candidates, and as a mild acid catalyst in certain reaction systems. Although direct target-specific potency data are limited, compounds of this class are commonly evaluated in vitro at concentrations spanning the micromolar range depending on assay design. 3-Pyridylacetic acid hydrochloride is therefore suited for applications in cell-based metabolic studies, enzymatic pathway characterization, and early-stage compound derivatization efforts, with experimental conditions tailored to specific research objectives.