Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 and an important pharmaceutical active ingredient used for the prevention and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency. It is a cobalt-containing corrinoid compound required for normal red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and neurological function.
Cyanocobalamin is a stable form of vitamin B12 in which a cyano group is coordinated to the cobalt atom of the corrin ring. It is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations, nutritional products and vitamin preparations.
Cyanocobalamin is identified by CAS No. 68-19-9, with molecular formula C63H88CoN14O14P and molecular weight of approximately 1355.37 g/mol.
Cyanocobalamin is converted in the body into active vitamin B12 coenzyme forms, primarily methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. These cofactors participate in essential metabolic reactions involving methionine synthesis and fatty-acid/amino-acid metabolism.
Cyanocobalamin is used for the treatment and prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency, including deficiency associated with inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption and certain hematological or neurological manifestations.
Cyanocobalamin can be supplied for pharmaceutical formulation, nutritional product development and manufacturing applications, subject to applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
Quality evaluation may include identification, assay, related substances, water content, residue on ignition, pH, optical properties and other applicable pharmaceutical quality attributes.
Final acceptance criteria should always be based on the approved product specification, validated analytical methods and batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | NLT 97.0% and NMT 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 12.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 1.0% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 4.0 – 7.0 |
| Water Content | NMT 0.5% |
| Melting Point | 150°C – 154°C |