Riboflavin

 
Chemical Formula: C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆

Molecular Weight: 376.36

CAS Number: 83-88-5

Description: Riboflavin USP, Yellow to orange crystalline powder, ≥98.0% (HPLC)

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 a photosensitizing agent, a metabolite, a B vitamin, a food colouring, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a mouse metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a riboflavin(1-). Riboflavin is an essential human nutrient that is a heat-stable and water-soluble flavin belonging to the vitamin B family. This vitamin is essential for healthy skin, nails, and hair.