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Cobalamin reference standard · cyanocobalamin (68-19-9) or methylcobalamin (13422-55-4) form
Overview
Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) is a cobalt-containing organometallic vitamin and an essential cofactor for methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. It exists in four biologically relevant forms distinguished by the ligand at the cobalt centre — cyanocobalamin (-CN, the synthetic / supplemental form), methylcobalamin (-CH₃, the cytoplasmic methyl-donor form), hydroxocobalamin (-OH), and adenosylcobalamin (5'-deoxyadenosyl, the mitochondrial form). The forms are not interchangeable as standards, so the specific form is the central identity question. B-12 is referenced here as a characterized standard, not for any clinical outcome. Lyochem supplies B-12 as a reference standard in both cyanocobalamin (CAS 68-19-9) and methylcobalamin (CAS 13422-55-4) forms; specify the form at order placement, with hydroxo- and adenosyl- forms available on request. The release packet states the exact form and salt on every lot, with chemical purity by HPLC, mass-spec identity, and water content; all cobalamin forms are photosensitive and oxidation-sensitive, so storage is refrigerated and light-protected. Confirm the form by COA / label before use, since the forms differ in their applications. This is reference-grade research material, distinct from compounding-scale API supply.
Applications & buyer fit
Other research peptides in this category — Melanotan-1, Melanotan-2, PT-141, ACE-031, Adipotide-FTTP, EPO, HCG, HMG — ship to research labs studying topics outside the GH / cognitive / immune / mitochondrial / repair / longevity / Khavinson clusters. Each peptide has its own analytical-packet emphasis (e.g. glycoprotein bioassay in IU/mg for HCG; cyclised-form confirmation for oxytocin) noted in the per-product CoA scope.
Academic Laboratories
Universities, medical schools, and government research institutes qualifying a reference standard for a method-development or in vivo workflow.
Biotech R&D Groups
Preclinical biotech and pharmaceutical discovery teams sourcing characterized peptides for receptor-pharmacology, screening, and method-development campaigns.
Every release ships with its own batch-specific CoA — identity, purity, and the analytical scope agreed at quote stage, tied to the exact lot you receive.
Review a representative batch CoA before you order, so you can confirm the packet matches what your method or sponsor audit needs.
Supplied strictly as a research reagent to research institutions — not a finished dosage form and not for human administration. Buyer qualification runs at the inquiry stage.
Specifications
Documentation available on request
Regulatory note
Specify the exact B-12 form (cyano / methyl / hydroxo / adenosyl) at order placement; the forms are not interchangeable across applications. Confirm form and salt by batch COA / label before use. Lyochem supplies B-12 strictly for Research Use Only; buyers are responsible for verifying ingredient eligibility in their destination market.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the reference need. Cyanocobalamin (CAS 68-19-9) is the more shelf-stable form and the common supplemental and injectable reference; it requires intracellular conversion to the active forms. Methylcobalamin (CAS 13422-55-4) is the directly active cytoplasmic methyl-donor form, preferred where the work needs the active species without the conversion step. Hydroxo- and adenosyl- forms are available on request; specify the form at order placement since the forms are not interchangeable as standards.
All four cobalamin forms are photosensitive — light initiates photochemical degradation of the corrin ring — and the cobalt centre is oxidation-sensitive under unprotected conditions. Refrigerated (2–8 °C) storage with light protection (amber or opaque packaging) preserves the lyophilized material over its shelf life; solutions degrade faster and should remain in the original container until use.
The exact form and salt are stated on every lot COA, alongside chemical purity by HPLC, mass-spec identity, and water content. Because the forms are not interchangeable across applications, a lab should confirm the form on the COA or label before use rather than relying on the catalog name alone.
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