Chemical Properties
Dark red, crystalline powder or dark red crystals, very hygroscopic.
Uses
Physiological analog of vitamin B12 where the CN group is replaced with OH. Exists in aqueous solution as an equilibrium mixture of the hydroxy isomer and the ionic aqua isomer (aquacobalamin). Precursor of the coenzymes methylcobalamin and cobamamide. Coordination Compound. Vitamin (hematopoietic).
General Description
Hydroxocobalamin is an analog of vitamin B
12 with OH as an alkyl group. Vitamin B
12 cobalamin refers to a group of chemically-related cobalt containing molecules.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Vitamin B12 cobalamin is involved in DNA synthesis and fatty acid synthesis. It also plays a vital role as a coenzyme in the conversion of mitochondrial methylmalonyl co-enzyme A to succinyl co-enzyme A. Vitamin B12 cobalamin is also involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and erythropoiesis. It also functions in the synthesis and maintenance of myelin sheath. Hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12a, OHCbl) and cyanocobalamin (CNCbl) are storage and delivery forms.
