An organic acid (C6H5NO2), a carboxylated derivative of pyridine, obtained by the oxidation of nicotine; called also niacin and antipellagra vitamin, and vitamin B5. Chemically it is 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid.
"It is a cofactor in several enzymatic reactions, and is used to prevent a pellagra-like disease in dogs. [MI11]"
[1913 Webster]