Skip to main content

Vitamin B12

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C63H88CoN14O14P
CAS number
68-19-9
IUPAC name
cobaltous;[(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;cyanide
State
State
At room temperature, Vitamin B12 is in a solid state. It is typically used in its crystalline form as a dietary supplement and therapeutic agent.
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
1.4500g/cm3
Appearence
Vitamin B12 appears as dark red crystals or a crystalline powder. It is usually odorless and tasteless. Its distinctive red color is due to the presence of cobalt within its structure.
Comment on solubility

Solubility of Cobaltous Compound

The solubility of the cobaltous compound, represented by its comprehensive chemical name, is intriguing and can be influenced by various factors. Understanding its solubility is essential in numerous applications, including biochemical processes and medicinal formulations. Here are some critical points to consider:

  • Polar vs. Non-Polar Interactions: The compound includes multiple functional groups, which can create polar characteristics. This may enhance solubility in polar solvents like water.

  • pH Dependence: Solubility can be affected by the pH of the solution, especially since some components may ionize, thus influencing their interactions with solvents.

  • Temperature Effects: Solubility often increases with temperature; thus, evaluating the solubility at different thermal conditions can provide valuable insights.

  • Salt Formation: The presence of phosphate and cyanide groups suggests that this compound might form salts that could have different solubility properties compared to the parent compound.

An important note: Solubility is not an absolute property, but rather a dynamic characteristic. As stated in chemical literature, "Solubility is the dancing relationship between a solute and solvent, dictated by external and internal conditions." Therefore, precise experiments are necessary to ascertain the actual solubility of this complex cobaltous compound.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Cobaltous Compound

The compound known as cobaltous represents a fascinating intersection of coordination chemistry and biological significance. Here are several interesting facts that highlight its importance:

  • Biological Role: Cobaltous compounds play a crucial role in the formation of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
  • Coordination Chemistry: The cobalt ion in this compound can form various coordination geometries, primarily octahedral, which is key to its functionality in enzymes and biochemical processes.
  • Applications in Medicine: Beyond its role in nutrition, cobaltous complexes are utilized in targeted therapies and drug delivery systems due to their ability to bind and release bioactive molecules effectively.
  • Color Properties: Transition metal complexes, including cobaltous, are known for their vibrant colors, which can be attributed to electronic transitions in their d-orbitals under the influence of ligands.
  • Environmental Impact: While cobalt is essential for life in trace amounts, excessive cobaltous exposure can have toxic effects. Understanding its behavior in the environment is key for managing ecological risks.

As the renowned chemist Linus Pauling once said, “The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” Exploring cobaltous compounds can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in both chemistry and medicine, revealing the intricate dance of elements that sustain life.

Indeed, the study of cobaltous compounds offers a window into the complex biochemical interactions and highlights their significance across various fields, from nutrition to pharmacology. This multifaceted compound showcases the delicate balance of nature’s elements working in harmony.