beta-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (beta-NMN, CAS 1094-61-7): Properties, Production and Applications

-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (-NMN, CAS 1094-61-7): Properties, Production and Applications

-Nicotinamide mononucleotide (-NMN) is a naturally occurring nucleotide and a precursor of NAD+, the coenzyme central to cellular energy metabolism and repair. Because NAD+ levels decline with age, NMN has become one of the most sought-after ingredients in the supplement, cosmetic and research markets. This article covers what NMN is, its chemistry and specification, how it is made, where it is used, and the quality parameters that matter when buying it.

1. What NMN is

Property	Value
Name	-Nicotinamide mononucleotide (-NMN)
CAS number	1094-61-7
Formula / MW	C₁₁H₁₅N₂O₈P / 334.22 g/mol
Type	Nucleotide; NAD+ precursor
Appearance	White to yellowish crystalline powder

NMN is a ribonucleotide of nicotinamide: a nicotinamide group linked to ribose phosphate. The “” designation refers to the anomeric configuration of the glycosidic bond – the biologically relevant form. In the body, NMN is converted to NAD+ in a single enzymatic step, which is why it is studied as a way to support NAD+ levels.

2. NAD+ and why NMN is of interest

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme used in:

Energy metabolism – the electron transport chain and cellular ATP production.
DNA repair – as the substrate for PARP enzymes.
Sirtuin signalling – a family of enzymes linked to metabolic regulation.

NAD+ levels fall with age and in metabolic stress, and the idea behind NAD+ precursors such as NMN and nicotinamide riboside (NR) is to replenish the pool. The science here is active and evolving – NMN is studied in animal and human research, and claims must follow the regulations of each market.

3. Specification

Property	Specification
Appearance	White to yellowish crystalline powder
Particle size	100% pass 40 mesh
Water content	1.0% max
pH value	2.0 – 4.0
Loose density	0.59 g/ml
Tight density	0.66 g/ml
Ethanol (GC)	0.5% max
Heavy metals (Pb / As / Hg / Cd)	0.5 ppm max each
Total microbial count	750 cfu/g max
Coliforms	3.0 MPN/g max
Assay (HPLC)	99.0% min
Purity (HPLC)	99.5% min

For a supplement or cosmetic ingredient, the parameters that decide acceptance are purity (HPLC), heavy metals and microbiological quality – plus the physical parameters (particle size, density) that govern how it blends, fills and tabletts.

4. How NMN is made

Commercial NMN is produced mainly by enzymatic (biocatalytic) routes: nicotinamide riboside or nicotinamide is converted to NMN using enzymes such as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT)-type biocatalysts, or by engineered microbial fermentation. Chemical synthesis exists but is less common for high-purity commercial material. The purification step – chromatography and crystallisation – is what delivers the 99.5%+ HPLC purity the market expects.

5. Applications

Market	Use
Dietary supplements	Capsules, tablets and powders positioned as NAD+ precursors (where permitted)
Cosmetics and skin care	Formulations targeting skin appearance and vitality
Research	NAD+ metabolism, enzymology and cell-biology studies

Because the regulatory status of NMN for food/supplement use differs between markets and is still evolving, the intended use and destination must be confirmed before ordering – see the regulatory guide.

6. NMN vs NR and niacinamide

NAD+ precursor	CAS	Relationship to NAD+	Notes
-NMN	1094-61-7	Converted to NAD+ in one step	Direct precursor; the fastest-growing supplement ingredient
Nicotinamide riboside (NR)	23111-00-4 (chloride)	Converted to NMN, then NAD+	Two-step route; used in supplements
Nicotinamide	98-92-0	Salvage pathway to NAD+	Cheap and abundant; subject to feedback limits
Nicotinic acid (niacin)	59-67-6	Precursor via the Preiss-Handler pathway	Flush effect; different use

NMN and NR are the two “NAD+ booster” nucleotides; NMN is the more direct precursor. See NMN vs NR for the detailed comparison.

7. Stability, handling and storage

Hygroscopic and sensitive. NMN absorbs moisture and degrades with heat and light – store sealed, cool, dry and protected from light.
pH and formulation. Its pH (2.0 – 4.0 in solution) means it is acidic; consider this in formulations and blends.
Moisture control. Water content (1.0% max) and low ethanol residue matter for stability and for clean-label specifications.
Microbiological quality. Total count and coliform limits (as specified) matter for supplement and cosmetic use.

8. Packaging, documentation and supply

Item	Detail
Packaging	Foil bags and drums for small-pack nutraceutical use; larger packs on request
Documents	Per-batch COA (purity, assay, heavy metals, microbiology) and SDS; third-party testing on request
Delivery	FOB or CIF to your port; quote by tonnage
Regulatory	Status for food/supplement use varies by market – confirm before ordering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NMN?

-Nicotinamide mononucleotide (CAS 1094-61-7) – a naturally occurring nucleotide and a direct precursor of NAD+, the coenzyme involved in energy metabolism and DNA repair.

What is NMN used for?

As an ingredient in dietary supplements, cosmetics and research, where NAD+ precursor formulations are permitted. The regulatory status varies by market.

What purity does NMN come in?

High-purity material is typically 99.5% min by HPLC, with assay 99.0% min and heavy metals at 0.5 ppm max each – confirm on the batch COA.

How should NMN be stored?

Sealed, cool, dry and protected from light; it is hygroscopic and sensitive to heat and moisture.

Is NMN the same as NR?

No. Both are NAD+ precursors, but NMN converts to NAD+ in one enzymatic step while NR is converted to NMN first. See the comparison.