R

Riboflavin

IUPAC: 7,8-dimethyl-10-[(2S,3S,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl]benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione

C17H20N4O6 Organic Compounds CAS 83-88-5
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC17H20N4O6
CAS Number83-88-5
Molecular Weight376.4
Melting Point280 dec °C
Solubility84.7 mg/L (at 25 °C)
AppearanceYellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder, with slight odour
Also Known As7,8-dimethyl-10-[(2S,3S,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl]benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione; vitamin B2; 83-88-5; Riboflavine; Lactoflavin; Vitamin G; Lactoflavine; Flavaxin; Beflavine; Beflavin
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Riboflavin?

Riboflavin is D-Ribitol in which the hydroxy group at position 5 is substituted by a 7,8-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[g]pteridin-10(2H)-yl moiety. It is a nutritional factor found in milk, eggs, malted barley, liver, kidney, heart, and leafy vegetables, but the richest natural source is yeast. The free form occurs only in the retina of the eye, in whey, and in urine; its principal forms in tissues and cells are as flavin mononucleotide and flavin-adenine dinucleotide. It has a role as an antioxidant, a cofactor, a photosensitizing agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a food colouring, a fundamental metabolite and a human urinary metabolite. It is a vitamin B2 and a flavin. It is a conjugate acid of a riboflavin(1-).

Formula & Notation

C17H20N4O6

IUPAC Name: 7,8-dimethyl-10-[(2S,3S,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl]benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione

Other Names / Synonyms: 7,8-dimethyl-10-[(2S,3S,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl]benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione; vitamin B2; 83-88-5; Riboflavine; Lactoflavin; Vitamin G; Lactoflavine; Flavaxin; Beflavine; Beflavin

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Yellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder, with slight odour. Molecular formula: C17H20N4O6. Molecular weight: 376.4 g/mol. Melting point: 280 dec °C. Solubility: 84.7 mg/L (at 25 °C). LogP: -1.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point280 dec °C
Molecular Weight376.4
Solubility84.7 mg/L (at 25 °C)
AppearanceYellow to orange-yellow crystalline powder, with slight odour

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 Riboflavin
Formula C17H20N4O6
CAS Number 83-88-5
Molecular Weight 376.4
Synonyms 7,8-dimethyl-10-[(2S,3S,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl]benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione; vitamin B2; 83-88-5; Riboflavine; Lactoflavin; Vitamin G; Lactoflavine; Flavaxin; Beflavine; Beflavin

Frequently Asked Questions

Riboflavin is D-Ribitol in which the hydroxy group at position 5 is substituted by a 7,8-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[g]pteridin-10(2H)-yl moiety. It is a nutritional factor found in milk, eggs, malted barley, liver, kidney, heart, and leafy vegetables, but the richest natural source is yeast. The free form occurs only in the retina of the eye, in whey, and in urine; its principal forms in tissues and cells are as flavin mononucleotide and flavin-adenine dinucleotide. It has a role as an antioxidant, a cofactor, a photosensitizing agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a food colouring, a fundamental metabolite and a human urinary metabolite. It is a vitamin B2 and a flavin. It is a conjugate acid of a riboflavin(1-).

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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.