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Vitamin B12

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Identification
Molecular formula
C63H88CoN14O14P
CAS number
68-19-9
IUPAC name
3-[13,18-bis(2-amino-2-oxo-ethyl)-3,12,17-tris(2-carboxyethyl)-2-(carboxymethyl)-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-1,2,5,6,7,10,12,17-octahydrocorrin-7-yl]propanoic acid
State
State

Vitamin B12 is typically a solid at room temperature. It is stable under normal conditions, but it's sensitive to light and should be stored in opaque containers to prevent degradation.

Melting point (Celsius)
300.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
573.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
1355.37g/mol
Molar mass
1 355.3700g/mol
Density
1.3508g/cm3
Appearence

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a dark red crystalline compound. It appears as fine crystals or crystalline powder, and the crystals can sometimes have a metallic sheen. The intense red color is due to the presence of cobalt in the structure of the compound, which is one reason for its alternative name cobalamin.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-[13,18-bis(2-amino-2-oxo-ethyl)-3,12,17-tris(2-carboxyethyl)-2-(carboxymethyl)-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-1,2,5,6,7,10,12,17-octahydrocorrin-7-yl]propanoic acid

The compound with the formula C63H88CoN14O14P exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are influenced by its complex chemical structure. Given the presence of multiple functional groups, the solubility behavior can be broken down as follows:

  • Hydrophilicity: The numerous carboxylic acid groups enhance the compound's ability to interact with polar solvents, particularly water. Thus, it can be expected to have reasonable solubility in aqueous environments.
  • Hydrophobicity: The extensive hydrocarbon portions of the structure may contribute to hydrophobic interactions, leading to limited solubility in purely nonpolar solvents.
  • Effect of pH: Solubility may vary with pH levels due to protonation and deprotonation of acidic groups, impacting the compound's overall charge and interaction with solvents.
  • Concentration Dependence: At higher concentrations, solubility may be influenced by aggregate formation, which could lead to precipitation or reduced effective solubility.

In conclusion, it is crucial to consider both the hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics when evaluating the solubility of this compound. As often exemplified in chemical behaviors, “solubility is a delicate dance of molecular interactions.” Further studies would be beneficial to fully characterize its solubility profiles under various conditions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-[13,18-bis(2-amino-2-oxo-ethyl)-3,12,17-tris(2-carboxyethyl)-2-(carboxymethyl)-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-1,2,5,6,7,10,12,17-octahydrocorrin-7-yl]propanoic acid

This fascinating compound is a complex coordination compound that belongs to the class of corrins, which are closely related to porphyrins. Some intriguing aspects of this compound include:

  • Structure: The intricate structure features a corrin ring, which is critical for its role in biological systems, particularly within certain enzymes and cofactors.
  • Biological Relevance: Compounds like this one are often involved in important biological processes, including those related to cobalt, which is essential for certain vitamin B₁₂ analogs.
  • Functional Groups: The presence of multiple carboxyethyl groups plays a significant role in enhancing the solubility and reactivity of the compound, making it versatile for various applications.
  • Potential Applications: Its unique properties may lead to novel uses in fields such as:
    • Biomedical research, particularly in the development of treatment methods for vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.
    • Catalysis, where its metal-coordination capabilities can be harnessed for chemical transformations.
    • Materials science, exploring how the compound can be integrated into new composites or nanomaterials.
  • Research Interest: Due to its complex nature and potential for various applications, this compound garners significant interest in both academic and industrial research settings. As stated by a leading chemist, "Compounds like these push the boundaries of our understanding of metal-organic frameworks."

In summary, this coordination compound is not just a chemical entity but a key player in understanding biological processes and developing new technologies. As research continues, it promises to reveal even more applications and insights.