Mecobalamin CAS NO.13422-55-4

Methylcobalamin (mecobalamin, MeCbl, or MeB₁₂) is a cobalamin, a form of vitamin B₁₂. It differs from cyanocobalamin in that the cyanide is replaced by a methyl group.^[1] Methylcobalamin features an octahedral cobalt(III) centre. Methylcobalamin can be obtained as bright red crystals.^[2] From the perspective of coordination chemistry, methylcobalamin is notable as a rare example of a compound that contains metal-alkyl bonds. Nickel-methyl intermediates have been proposed for the final step of methanogenesis.

Methylcobalamin is equivalent physiologically to vitamin B₁₂, and can be used to prevent or treat pathology arising from a lack of vitamin B₁₂ (vitamin B12 deficiency), such as pernicious anemia.

Methylcobalamin is also used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy,diabetic neuropathy, and as a preliminary treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.