Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

Cyanocobalamin is the stable, crystalline form of vitamin B12 (CAS 68-19-9, C63H88CoN14O14P, Mr 1355.4), obtained by microbial fermentation followed by purification and crystallisation. It presents as a dark red crystalline powder built around a corrin ring holding a single cobalt atom, equivalent to approximately 4.35% elemental cobalt by weight, with a cyanide group in the upper axial position. Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin and acts as the precursor of the cobalamin coenzymes of methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase; it has an established role in normal red blood cell formation and in the normal function of the nervous system. Cyanocobalamin is the form most widely used in fortification because it is the most robust of the cobalamins towards heat, air and processing. Thovek supplies cyanocobalamin against USP and Ph. Eur./BP specifications, both of which set the assay at 96.0% to 102.0% calculated on the dried substance, and against FCC food grade at 96.0% to 100.5% on the dried basis. Because the vitamin is dosed in micrograms, most bulk buyers take the material as a standardised trituration rather than as pure crystals: 0.1% and 1.0% dilutions on mannitol, dicalcium phosphate, maltodextrin or starch give a free-flowing powder that distributes evenly through premixes, direct-compression tablet blends and beverage bases. Pure crystalline material remains available for pharmaceutical, injectable-grade and analytical use, and feed-grade dilutions on starch or calcium carbonate carriers are quoted separately. Each lot is released against identity by HPLC and UV absorption, assay by HPLC, loss on drying of not more than 12.0% determined in vacuo at 105 °C, residual solvents, elemental impurities to ICH Q3D and USP <232>, and full microbiological limits. Certificate of analysis, safety data sheet, and allergen, GMO and BSE/TSE statements accompany every consignment, with halal, kosher and GMP documentation available on request. The anhydrous substance is very hygroscopic and light-sensitive, so material is filled under a nitrogen blanket into light-tight packing and shipped in sealed export cartons on ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets.