What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a dinucleotide coenzyme catalogued here among American Peptides' research biomolecules. Structurally it is composed of two nucleotides joined through their 5'-phosphate groups by a pyrophosphate (diphosphate) bridge: one nucleotide carries an adenine base and the other a nicotinamide base, each linked to a ribose sugar. Its verified molecular formula is C21H27N7O14P2 with a molecular weight of 663.43 and CAS registry number 53-84-9. The "+" designation denotes the oxidized state of the redox-active nicotinamide ring.
As a class, NAD+ belongs to the pyridine nucleotide coenzymes rather than to the polypeptides, and it is distinct from peptide sequences built from amino acid residues. Its defining chemical feature is a nicotinamide ring capable of accepting and donating a hydride, allowing the molecule to interconvert between oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms. This two-part adenine/nicotinamide dinucleotide architecture, bridged by pyrophosphate, is the basis for its classification as a small-molecule cofactor reference standard.
In the research literature, NAD+ is broadly associated with the study of cellular redox chemistry and enzymatic cofactor systems in vitro. It is commonly employed as a reference compound and substrate/cofactor in biochemical assay development, oxidoreductase and dehydrogenase studies, and analytical method validation. American Peptides supplies this material for laboratory research use only; it is not a drug, supplement, or article intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or human or animal use, and no physiological outcomes are described or implied.
Reconstitution & handling
NAD+ is typically supplied as a lyophilized or crystalline powder and is readily soluble in water and aqueous buffers, making sterile water or an appropriate research-grade aqueous buffer the usual choice for reconstitution; the oxidized form is generally more soluble and more stable in aqueous media than reduced NADH. Because the pyrophosphate linkage and nicotinamide ring are sensitive to extremes of pH, near-neutral to slightly acidic buffers are commonly preferred for handling, as strongly alkaline conditions can accelerate degradation. To reconstitute, the solvent is added slowly to the vial wall and the material allowed to dissolve with gentle swirling rather than vigorous agitation, yielding a clear solution.
Prepared solutions are best used promptly and kept cold, since NAD+ in solution is less stable than the dry solid. Working under clean, low-temperature conditions and minimizing repeated warming helps preserve integrity. All handling should follow standard laboratory practice for research chemicals, including appropriate personal protective equipment. This information addresses solvent chemistry and physical handling only and is not guidance for administration of any kind.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized or solid NAD+ is best stored sealed and protected from moisture and light at cold temperatures (commonly refrigerated or frozen), where the dry material exhibits good long-term stability. Because the molecule is hygroscopic and susceptible to hydrolysis of its pyrophosphate bridge over time, containers should be tightly closed and returned to cold storage promptly after use. Once reconstituted, solutions are appreciably less stable and are generally prepared fresh, kept chilled, and used within a short window; where storage of solution is necessary, small single-use aliquots kept frozen help limit degradation from repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Refer to the accompanying documentation for lot-specific storage details.
How it's tested
Identity and purity of each NAD+ lot are established analytically and summarized on a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Purity is determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to a specification of ≥99%, with chromatographic profiling used to quantify the main peak and resolve related substances or degradation products. Mass spectrometry (MS) is used to confirm molecular identity against the expected molecular weight of 663.43 and formula C21H27N7O14P2, providing orthogonal verification of the compound. Additional characterization may include appearance and solubility checks. These analytical results, tied to the specific lot, allow researchers to confirm the material meets stated specifications before experimental use.