NAD+ Research Compound: Structure, Redox Chemistry & Technical Data
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, CAS 53-84-9) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It carries electrons in energy metabolism and is consumed as a substrate by enzyme families such as sirtuins and PARPs. Unlike most compounds in our library, NAD+ is not a peptide: it is a dinucleotide. This page is a laboratory reference covering its structure, molecular data, research background, handling, storage and testing. For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
| Compound | NAD+ (β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form) |
| CAS number | 53-84-9 |
| Molecular formula | C21H27N7O14P2 |
| Molecular weight | ≈ 663.4 g/mol |
| Class | Dinucleotide coenzyme (not a peptide) |
| Reduced form | NADH |
| Form supplied | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity specification | ≥ 99% by HPLC, identity by mass spectrometry, lot-matched COA |
What is NAD+?
NAD+ was first described in the early 1900s as a “cozymase” needed for yeast fermentation, and its structure was worked out over the following decades. It is now known as one of the central molecules of metabolism. In its oxidized form (NAD+) it accepts a hydride ion to become NADH; NADH then donates those electrons, most importantly to the mitochondrial electron transport chain. That cycle links the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids to cellular energy production.
Beyond its role as an electron carrier, NAD+ is also used up as a substrate. Sirtuins (protein deacylases), PARPs (enzymes involved in DNA-damage signaling) and CD38 (a NAD+-consuming enzyme on immune and other cells) all cleave NAD+, which means cells must constantly resynthesize it. That balance of use and resynthesis is a major topic in metabolism and aging research.
Research-grade NAD+ is a laboratory reagent, not a medicine or supplement.
Structure
NAD+ is two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups:
- An adenine nucleotide (AMP half): adenine attached to a ribose sugar and a phosphate.
- A nicotinamide nucleotide (NMN half): nicotinamide attached to a second ribose and phosphate. The nicotinamide ring is the reactive part: it accepts a hydride to form NADH.
- A pyrophosphate bridge links the two halves.
Research background
- Redox cofactor. NAD+/NADH is the main hydride carrier in glycolysis, the TCA cycle and fatty-acid oxidation. The NAD+/NADH ratio is widely used as a readout of a cell’s metabolic state.
- Sirtuin and PARP substrate. Sirtuins use NAD+ to remove acetyl and other acyl groups from proteins, and PARPs use it to build poly(ADP-ribose) chains at sites of DNA damage. Both consume NAD+ (Verdin, Science, 2015).
- Age-related decline. Studies in animal models and human tissue samples have reported that NAD+ levels fall with age, which has driven research into NAD+ synthesis pathways and precursors such as NMN and nicotinamide riboside (Covarrubias et al., Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2021; Rajman et al., Cell Metabolism, 2018).
Animal and cell results describe biology in specific models and cannot be assumed to translate directly to people.
Handling (laboratory)
- Let the sealed vial reach room temperature before opening; NAD+ powder is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture readily.
- NAD+ is very water-soluble. Reconstitute with sterile water or a buffer suited to your assay.
- NAD+ is more stable in neutral to slightly acidic solution and breaks down faster in alkaline conditions and with heat. Keep solutions cold and prepare them fresh where possible.
- Protect solutions from light and split them into single-use aliquots.
See the Reconstitution and Storage guide and Bacteriostatic vs Sterile Water.
Storage and stability
- Powder: sealed and dry at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
- In solution: 2–8 °C for short-term use, or aliquots frozen at −20 °C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw.
How Zama NAD+ is tested
- HPLC confirms purity and separates NAD+ from common breakdown products such as nicotinamide and ADP-ribose.
- Mass spectrometry confirms identity against the expected mass of about 663.4 Da. See HPLC vs Mass Spectrometry.
- Lot-matched COA in the COA Library. New to reading one? See What Is a Certificate of Analysis?
Frequently asked questions
What is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme in all living cells that carries electrons in metabolism and is consumed by enzymes such as sirtuins and PARPs.
What is the CAS number of NAD+?
53-84-9. Its molecular formula is C21H27N7O14P2 and its molecular weight is about 663.4 g/mol.
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. NAD+ is a dinucleotide, built from two nucleotides, not from amino acids.
What is the difference between NAD+ and NADH?
NAD+ is the oxidized form; NADH is the reduced form that carries two electrons and a proton. Cells cycle continuously between the two.
How should NAD+ be stored?
Store the powder sealed and dry at −20 °C away from light. Keep solutions cold, avoid alkaline pH and heat, and freeze single-use aliquots.
Researcher access
NAD+ is available to registered researchers. Sign in or create your researcher account to view NAD+ →
Related research guides: MOTS-c · SS-31 · Epithalon · Full Research Library
References
- Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A, Verdin E. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. 2021;22(2):119–141.
- Verdin E. NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015;350(6265):1208–1213.
- Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence. Cell Metabolism. 2018;27(3):529–547.
Research Use Only. NAD+ and all products referenced are sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research. They are not drugs, supplements or medical devices, and are not for human or veterinary use. This page summarizes published literature and makes no claim about any product. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.