Picolinic acid

Picolinic acid is an organic compound with the formula NC₅H₄CO₂H. It is a derivative of pyridine with a carboxylic acid (COOH) substituent at the 2-position. It is an isomer of nicotinic acid and isonicotinic acid, which have the carboxyl side chain at the 3- and 4-positions, respectively. It is a white solid although impure samples can appear tan. The compound is soluble in water.

On a commercial scale, picolinic acid is produced by ammoxidation of 2-picoline followed by hydrolysis of the resulting nitrile:

It is also produced by oxidation of picoline with nitric acid.

In the laboratory, picolinic acid is formed from 2-methylpyridine by oxidation with potassium permanganate (KMnO₄).

Hydrogenation of picolinic acid gives piperidine-2-carboxylic acid, a precursor to the drug Mepivacaine.

Picolinic acid is a bidentate chelating agent of elements such as chromium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, and molybdenum in the human body.

It is a substrate in the Mitsunobu reaction. In the Hammick reaction, picolinic acid reacts with ketones to give pyridine-2-carbonols:

Picolinic acid is a catabolite of the amino acid tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway. Its function is unclear, but it has been implicated in a variety of neuroprotective, immunological, and anti-proliferative effects. In addition, it is suggested to assist in the absorption of zinc(II) ions and other divalent or trivalent ions through the small intestine.