Folic acid Formula

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is organic compound that is largely used in the treatment of anemia and folate deficiencies.

Formula and structure: The folic acid chemical formula is C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆ and its molar mass is 441.40 g mol^-1. The molecule is formed by a long chain of 6 members, which also contains one aryl ring join to a dihydropteridine ring. Its chemical structure can be written as below, in the common representations used for organic molecules.

Occurrence: Folic acid is largely extended in nature and it should be ingested by the consumption of mushroom, spinach, green leaves, avocado, asparagus, meat, eggs and yeast.

Preparation: Folic acid is produced synthetically through the condensation of 2, 5, 6-triamino-4(3H)-pyrimidinone, p-aminobenzoyl-L-glutamic acid and 2,3-dibromopropanal.

Physical properties: Folic acid is a yellow to orange, tasteless, needles crystal. Its melting point is 250 ºC and above this temperature it decomposes. Folic acid is slightly soluble in water, ethanol, methanol and butanol. It is insoluble in acetone, chloroform, ether and benzene. Solutions of hydroxides and carbonates are the best solvents, together hot and dilute solutions of chlorhydric and sulfuric acid.

Chemical properties: Folic acid in nature is involved in reactions of transference of methyl groups to organic compounds in the amino acids metabolism. It is essential for red blood cell production, DNA replications and amino acids synthesis. Due to its function in the carbon transference in the synthesis of DNA and amino acids, its deficiency is presumed to cause inadequate methylation process and cancer.

Use: Folic acid is an essential vitamin for our body, and similar to other vitamin it should be ingested through a diet containing the right quantity of vegetables. Especially durig the pregnancy, the diets low in folic acid is critical due to are responsible for some diseases on newborns such as: neural tube defects. Moreover, a poor ingestion of folic acid can causes decrease on the fertility of women and men.

Health effects / safety hazards: There is no evidence of toxicity associated to folic acid.