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Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

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Identification
Molecular formula
C63H88CoN14O14P
CAS number
68-19-9
IUPAC name
acetic acid;cobalt;[(2R,3S,4R,5S)-5-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-yl] [1-methyl-2-[3-[(3R,12S,13S,17S,18S,19R)-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-tetrahydro-1H-corrin-21-id-3-yl]propanoylamino]ethyl] phosphate
State
State

At room temperature, Vitamin B12 is a solid. It is stable under normal conditions but may degrade when exposed to light.

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
1.3500g/cm3
Appearence

Cobalamin, commonly known as Vitamin B12, typically appears as dark red crystals or a red crystalline powder. This vibrant color is due to the presence of cobalt within the corrin ring structure.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Acetic Acid Cobalt Complex

The solubility of the compound with the complex name [(2R,3S,4R,5S)-5-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-yl] [1-methyl-2-[3-[(3R,12S,13S,17S,18S,19R)-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-tetrahydro-1H-corrin-21-id-3-yl]propanoylamino]ethyl] phosphate can be quite complex and influenced by various factors. Here are some key aspects regarding its solubility:

  • Acetic Acid Influence: Being a polar molecule, acetic acid typically increases solubility in aqueous solutions.
  • Coordination with Cobalt: The presence of cobalt can enhance solubility in certain organic solvents due to the coordination complexes formed.
  • Non-polar vs. Polar Solvents: The general rule of thumb is "like dissolves like." Therefore:
    • Polar solvents (e.g., water, ethanol) may promote better solubility.
    • Non-polar solvents (e.g., hexane) are likely to show lower solubility.
  • Temperature Dependence: Like many compounds, solubility can increase with temperature, suggesting that heating the solvent may aid the dissolution process.
  • pH Sensitivity: The solubility can also be affected by the pH of the solution, especially due to acetic acid's acidic nature.

In conclusion, while acetic acid generally contributes to increased solubility, the cobalt complex's intricate architecture necessitates a thorough investigation to determine its behavior in different solvents and conditions. Experimentation at various temperatures and pH levels may yield interesting insights into its solubility profile.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Acetic Acid Cobalt Complex

Acetic acid, commonly known as vinegar when diluted, is not just a culinary staple but also holds significant importance in the world of chemistry. When complexed with cobalt, the resulting compound showcases remarkable properties that can be harnessed for various applications. Here are some fascinating insights:

  • Biochemical Role: Acetic acid is a crucial intermediary in metabolic pathways. It participates in processes like the citric acid cycle, making it essential for cellular respiration.
  • Cobalt Usage: Cobalt is often used in conjunction with acetic acid to facilitate certain reactions in synthetic chemistry, particularly in the formation of organometallic compounds.
  • Coordination Chemistry: The complexity of the [1-methyl-2-[3-[(3R,12S,13S,17S,18S,19R)-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-tetrahydro-1H-corrin-21-id-3-yl]propanoylamino]ethyl] phosphate moiety highlights the intricate interplay between organic ligands and metal centers.
  • Biological Applications: Cobalt complexes, particularly those coordinated with acetic acid, have been explored in medicinal chemistry, particularly in the development of drugs targeting various diseases.
  • Environmental Significance: Understanding the behavior of cobalt complexes in the natural environment aids in assessing their role in nutrient cycles and their potential ecological impacts.

In conclusion, the acetic acid cobalt complex is not merely an academic curiosity but serves as a bridge connecting organic chemistry with biological systems, enhancing our understanding and application of chemical compounds in both industry and medicine. As the famous chemist Marie Curie once said, “In science, there are no shortcuts to truth.” Each complex opens doors to new discoveries and innovations.