The Photolytic Cleavage of Methylpyridinecobaloxime [Co(CH3)(dmgH)2(py)] as a Mimetic of Vitamin B12

Abstract

The photolytic reactions of the methylpyridinecobaloxime, Co(CH3)(dmgH)2(py) were examined first in benzene and then in a mixture of acetonitrile, hydrogen peroxide and toluene using sunlight and 450 Watts Hanovia UV lamp. While in the first, toluene was produced, the later produced a mixture of products that is o, p, m cresol and benzaldehyde. The photolytic reaction of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) was also examined in benzene and hydrogen peroxide using sunlight. Phenol was produced. All the products formed were separated and characterized by IR and GC–MS. The formation of these products indicates that hydroxyl radicals were generated analogous to Fenton reaction and that both vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) and methylpyridinecobaloxime, Co(CH3)(dmgH)2(py) undergoesthe same photolytic cleavage of the Co-C bond.