Crystal Structure of a 1:1 Complex of Palmitic acid and Nicotinamide

Abstract

An equimolar mixture of palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid) and nicotinamide (3-pyridinecarboxamide) in acetone yielded crystals of a 1:1 complex, C₂₂H₃₈N₂O₃. Palmitic acid forms a lipid bilayer and is stacked to form a lamellar structure. The alkyl chain of palmitic acid has an all-trans conformation. Nicotinamides form a dimmer, which is intercalated into hydrophilic regions of the lamellar structure.