Question

Discuss the function of cobalt in action of vitamin B12 and its derivatives and how cobaloximes serve as models for the biological system.

Answer 1

Answer:

Cobalt and its derivatives act as a catalyst for some enzymatic functions, in this case, it acts as a cofactor.

Cobaloximes are effective electrocatalysts for the production of hydrogen and, therefore, functional models for hydrogenases.

Explanation:

Cobalt is a metal that participates directly in the synthesis of vitamin B12, necessary for the metabolism of various proteins, with megaloblastic anemia being one of the greatest evidences of a lack.

Its main function is that it integrates the vitamin B12 molecule, also called cyanocobalamin, so that lack of cobalt causes the same symptoms as vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 can only be synthesized by bacteria and for this a cobalt atom is required, in fact adult ruminants can synthesize enough vitamin B12 in the rumen provided they have an adequate supply of cobalt.

It acts as a catalyst for some enzymatic functions, in this case, it acts as a cofactor. Very important for example in the transfer of methyl groups, in this way cobalt, together with folic acid participate in the synthesis of methionine.

The dimethylglioxime (dmgH) complexes to the cobalt to give a series of complexes of Co (III), called cobaloxime, that having 4 positions coordinated to nitrogen in a coplanar way and forming a ring similar to the corrínico nucleus; If another substituent also has an N-heterocyclic nature, it can correctly simulate the B12 system.