Skip to main content

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C63H88CoN14O14P
CAS number
68-19-9
IUPAC name
cobalt;[5-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-yl] [1-methyl-2-[3-[2,13,18-tris(2-amino-2-oxo-ethyl)-7,12,17-tris(3-amino-3-oxo-propyl)-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-2,7,12,17-tetrahydrocorrin-3-yl]propanoylamino]ethyl] hydrogen phosphate
State
State

Cyanocobalamin is typically a solid at room temperature. Being part of the B vitamin family, it is stable in air but can degrade when exposed to continuous bright light. It is soluble in water, which makes it useful in aqueous pharmaceutical formulations.

Melting point (Celsius)
300.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
573.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
1355.39g/mol
Molar mass
1 355.3890g/mol
Density
1.5200g/cm3
Appearence

Cyanocobalamin, commonly known as Vitamin B12, typically appears as dark red crystals or an amorphous or crystalline powder. It is hygroscopic and photosensitive, displaying its vibrant color due to the cobalt content.

Comment on solubility

Solubility Characteristics of the Compound

The solubility of the compound C63H88CoN14O14P, which includes a cobalt center, can be influenced by several factors:

Factors Affecting Solubility

  • Polarity: The presence of hydroxyl groups and a complex coordination with cobalt suggests a potential for *hydrophilic* interactions, which may enhance solubility in polar solvents.
  • Molecular Weight: With a high molecular weight (C63), the solubility in water may be low, potentially necessitating organic solvents for effective solubilization.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The ability to form hydrogen bonds through hydroxyl and amine groups may contribute positively to solubility in aqueous solutions.
  • pH Sensitivity: The presence of ionic groups, such as the phosphate, may exhibit varying solubility under different pH conditions, making the solubility context-dependent.

As stated, "the solubility of a compound is the *key* to its effectiveness in various applications." Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of this compound’s solubility lay the groundwork for its potential uses in fields such as pharmaceuticals and catalysis. It is essential to conduct solubility tests in various solvents and conditions to fully appreciate its behavior in practical scenarios.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about the Cobalt Compound

This fascinating compound, widely recognized for its complex structure and unique properties, belongs to a class of coordination compounds that exhibit remarkable biological significance. Here are some intriguing facts about it:

  • Biological Role: Cobalt is a crucial component of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for human health. This compound mirrors the significance of cobalt in biological systems, hinting at its potential as a supplement or therapeutic agent.
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks: The presence of cobalt in the structure suggests interesting applications in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are materials that can be used for gas storage, catalysis, and drug delivery systems.
  • Pharmaceutical Potential: Given the combination of cobalt with intricate organic ligands, researchers are investigating its role in drug designs, particularly in treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses. The intricate design may enable targeted therapy, enhancing efficacy while minimizing side effects.
  • Color Chemistry: Cobalt compounds often exhibit vibrant colors, which has made them valuable in the arts and cosmetics industry. While the appearance of this compound isn't defined here, its potential derivatives may contribute to the color palette of future products.
  • Coordination Chemistry: The compound exemplifies the fascinating world of coordination chemistry, where central metal atoms coordinate with surrounding ligands to form complex structures. This property is critical in numerous applications, including catalysis and material science.

In summary, the discovery and study of this cobalt compound open the door to numerous scientific inquiries, ranging from biomedical applications to innovative materials science. Its unique arrangement of atoms offers a glimpse into the versatile chemistry of cobalt and its profound influence in diverse fields.