Skip to main content

Cobalamin

ADVERTISEMENT
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;cobalt
State
State

At room temperature, cobalamin is typically in a solid state. It is stable under normal conditions, but is sensitive to light and should be stored in a dark, cool place to maintain its stability and potency.

Melting point (Celsius)
300.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
573.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
-172.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
101.00
General information
Molecular weight
1355.38g/mol
Molar mass
1 355.3800g/mol
Density
1.4000g/cm3
Appearence

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, appears as dark red crystals or crystalline powder. It is known for its distinctive deep red color due to the presence of cobalt in its structure. Cobalamin generally appears as a fine crystalline powder that is soluble in water.

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; cobalt (C63H88CoN14O14P)

The 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; cobalt is influenced by several factors:

  • Polarity: This compound contains various functional groups, including carboxylic acids and amino groups, which tend to increase its polarity. Highly polar compounds typically have better solubility in polar solvents such as water.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The presence of –COOH and –NH2 groups allows for significant hydrogen bonding, enhancing solubility in aqueous environments.
  • Complexation: The cobalt ion can form complexes with chloride or hydroxide ions in solution, which may alter the overall solubility of the compound depending on the pH of the solvent.

However, it is necessary to highlight that solubility can vary across different environmental conditions, such as:

  1. Temperature: Increased temperature can lead to enhanced solubility for many compounds.
  2. pH Levels: Given its acidic nature, changes in pH can influence the ionization of carboxylic groups, thus affecting solubility.
  3. Presence of Other Solutes: The presence of other ionic or non-ionic solutes may also affect the solubility through mechanisms like common ion effect or cosolvency.

In conclusion, understanding the solubility characteristics of this complex compound is crucial for its applications in both research and industrial settings, as stated: "The ability to dissolve a compound in a solvent dictates its reactivity and availability in chemical processes."

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;cobalt

This fascinating compound, featuring a complex structure typical of corrins, showcases the intricate relationship between organic chemistry and metal coordination. Here are some intriguing insights:

  • Metal Coordination: The cobalt ion within the compound plays a pivotal role in its functionality, particularly in biological systems where metal ions are essential for various enzymatic reactions.
  • Corrin Structure: The octahydrocorrin framework that forms the backbone of this molecule is a rare and interesting structure, often associated with vitamin B12. Corrins are known for their ability to facilitate electron transfer and are important in diverse biochemical pathways.
  • Biological Applications: Compounds of this nature can serve as potential candidates for therapeutic applications, especially in the field of medicinal chemistry. Their ability to mimic biological processes makes them intriguing for drug design.
  • Functional Groups: The variety of functional groups, such as carboxyethyl and carboxymethyl, are crucial for enhancing solubility and biological interactions, increasing the utility of the compound in biochemical environments.
  • Research Interest: The composite nature of this molecule makes it an exciting subject for researchers focusing on metallomesogenic materials, which exhibit unique properties thanks to their metal constituents.

In the words of a renowned chemist, "The beauty of chemistry lies within the delicate embrace of structure and functionality.” This compound exemplifies that beauty, combining an intricate organic structure with a functional cobalt center to create a compound that has the potential to bridge gaps in our understanding of metalloproteins and their mimetics.


In summary, the exploration of this compound not only reveals the wonders of coordination chemistry but also emphasizes the importance of complex structures in understanding and harnessing the power of bioinorganic chemistry.