F

Folic acid

IUPAC: (2S)-2-[[4-[(2-amino-4-oxo-3H-pteridin-6-yl)methylamino]benzoyl]amino]pentanedioic acid

C19H19N7O6 Organic Compounds CAS 59-30-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC19H19N7O6
CAS Number59-30-3
Molecular Weight441.4
Melting Point482 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
SolubilityAlmost insoluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceFolic acid appears as odorless orange-yellow needles or platelets. Darkens and chars from approximately 482 °F.
Also Known As(2S)-2-[[4-[(2-amino-4-oxo-3H-pteridin-6-yl)methylamino]benzoyl]amino]pentanedioic acid; 59-30-3; Pteroylglutamic acid; Vitamin M; Folacin; Folacid; Vitamin Bc; PteGlu; Vitamin B9; Foliamin
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Folic acid?

Folic acid is an N-acyl-amino acid that is a form of the water-soluble vitamin B9. Its biologically active forms (tetrahydrofolate and others) are essential for nucleotide biosynthesis and homocysteine remethylation. It has a role as a nutrient, a mouse metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a member of folic acids and a N-acyl-amino acid. It is functionally related to a pteroic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a folate(2-).

Formula & Notation

C19H19N7O6

IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-[[4-[(2-amino-4-oxo-3H-pteridin-6-yl)methylamino]benzoyl]amino]pentanedioic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: (2S)-2-[[4-[(2-amino-4-oxo-3H-pteridin-6-yl)methylamino]benzoyl]amino]pentanedioic acid; 59-30-3; Pteroylglutamic acid; Vitamin M; Folacin; Folacid; Vitamin Bc; PteGlu; Vitamin B9; Foliamin

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Folic acid appears as odorless orange-yellow needles or platelets. Darkens and chars from approximately 482 °F.. Molecular formula: C19H19N7O6. Molecular weight: 441.4 g/mol. Melting point: 482 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Solubility: Almost insoluble (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 6.2X10-20 mm Hg at 25 °C /Estimated/. LogP: -1.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point482 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight441.4
SolubilityAlmost insoluble (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceFolic acid appears as odorless orange-yellow needles or platelets. Darkens and chars from approximately 482 °F.

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Folic acid
Formula C19H19N7O6
CAS Number 59-30-3
Molecular Weight 441.4
Synonyms (2S)-2-[[4-[(2-amino-4-oxo-3H-pteridin-6-yl)methylamino]benzoyl]amino]pentanedioic acid; 59-30-3; Pteroylglutamic acid; Vitamin M; Folacin; Folacid; Vitamin Bc; PteGlu; Vitamin B9; Foliamin

Frequently Asked Questions

Folic acid is an N-acyl-amino acid that is a form of the water-soluble vitamin B9. Its biologically active forms (tetrahydrofolate and others) are essential for nucleotide biosynthesis and homocysteine remethylation. It has a role as a nutrient, a mouse metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a member of folic acids and a N-acyl-amino acid. It is functionally related to a pteroic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a folate(2-).

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.