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Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

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Identification
Molecular formula
C63H88CoN14O14P
CAS number
13408-78-1
IUPAC name
cobalt;3-[2,13,18-tris(2-amino-2-oxo-ethyl)-12,17-bis(3-amino-3-oxo-propyl)-3-[3-(2-hydroxypropylamino)-3-oxo-propyl]-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-1,2,5,6,7,10,12,17-octahydrocorrin-7-yl]propanamide
State
State

At room temperature, cobalamin typically exists as a solid in the form of a crystalline powder. Its stability as a solid makes it suitable for use in dietary supplements and fortified foods.

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
1.0800g/cm3
Appearence

Cobalamin, also known as Vitamin B12, appears as dark red crystals or crystalline powder due to the presence of cobalt within its structure. In its pure form, cobalamin may also appear as dark red orthorhombic needles when crystallized from water. It is typically odorless and can have a slightly soluble appearance in water depending on its specific form as different derivatives vary in solubility.

Comment on solubility

Solubility Insights for Cobalt(III) Complex

The solubility of cobalt;3-[2,13,18-tris(2-amino-2-oxo-ethyl)-12,17-bis(3-amino-3-oxo-propyl)-3-[3-(2-hydroxypropylamino)-3-oxo-propyl]-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-1,2,5,6,7,10,12,17-octahydrocorrin-7-yl]propanamide (C63H88CoN14O14P) can be intriguing due to its complex structure. The solubility of such intricate coordination compounds is influenced by several factors:

  • Polarity: The presence of functional groups such as amino and hydroxy can enhance polar interactions, potentially increasing solubility in polar solvents like water.
  • Molecular Weight: With a molecular weight of over 1,000 g/mol, its high weight may limit solubility in some solvents.
  • pH Sensitivity: The ionizable groups in the structure could lead to changes in solubility based on the pH of the solution.
  • Coordination Chemistry: The cobalt complex may exhibit varying solubility based on the coordination environment and oxidation state of cobalt.

Generally, complexes involving transition metals, like this cobalt compound, may tend to be soluble in organic solvents while exhibiting limited water solubility. Therefore, experimental determination is often necessary to ascertain its solubility characteristics accurately.


In conclusion, understanding the solubility of such a compound is essential for its practical applications in fields like medicinal chemistry and catalysis, where solubility can significantly influence reactivity and bioavailability.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Cobalt Complex with Octahydrocorrin

The compound in question is a fascinating cobalt complex that belongs to a class of compounds known as corrins. Here are some intriguing aspects of this chemical:

  • Biological Importance: Cobalt is an essential element in the human diet, particularly as a component of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism and neural function.
  • Structural Diversity: This specific compound exhibits an intricate structure characterized by multiple amino acid side chains, influencing its interaction with biological molecules.
  • Coordination Chemistry: The cobalt center in the compound can coordinate with various ligands, making it a subject of interest for studies in metalloenzymes and biomimetic catalysts.
  • Potential Applications: Given its unique structure, cobalt complexes similar to this one are being investigated for potential applications in drug delivery systems, targeting cancer cells due to their ability to enhance bioavailability.
  • Research Implications: The study of such complex structures contributes significantly to our understanding of metal ion roles in biological systems and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
  • Synthesis Challenges: Synthesizing large and complex ligands like this one presents unique challenges in both chemistry and engineering, often involving multistep processes with rigorous purification methods.

To sum up, the cobalt complex described is more than just a chemical compound; it encapsulates the intersection of chemistry, biology, and material science, illustrating the importance of understanding complex structures for innovative applications in healthcare and technology.