Riboflavin-5-phosphate (Vitamin B2) CAS 130-40-5

Riboflavin-5-phosphate (Vitamin B2) – Bioactive Coenzyme for Energy Metabolism and Cellular Function

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 130-40-5

• Molecular Formula: C₁₇H₂₁N₄O₉P

• Molecular Weight: 456.35 g/mol

• Synonyms: Riboflavin phosphate, Flavine mononucleotide (FMN), Riboflavin-5'-monophosphate

• Appearance: Orange-yellow crystalline powder

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol; insoluble in organic solvents

• Stability: Sensitive to light; requires protection from light and moisture

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light

Overview
Riboflavin-5-phosphate (also known as flavin mononucleotide, FMN) is the phosphorylated, biologically active coenzyme form of vitamin B2. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), another essential coenzyme. Both FMN and FAD act as redox-active cofactors for a wide range of flavoproteins involved in mitochondrial electron transport, fatty acid oxidation, amino acid metabolism, and antioxidant defense systems. Riboflavin-5-phosphate is widely used in dietary supplements, fortified foods, and pharmaceutical formulations to correct vitamin B2 deficiency and support metabolic health.

Chemical Structure and Synthesis
Riboflavin-5-phosphate consists of a riboflavin molecule with a phosphate group attached at the 5' position of the ribityl side chain. This modification enhances water solubility and facilitates its integration into enzymatic systems. The compound can be synthesized either by biotechnological methods (via enzymatic phosphorylation) or by chemical phosphorylation of riboflavin.

Physicochemical Properties

• Appearance: Orange-yellow crystalline powder

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol; practically insoluble in organic solvents

• Light sensitivity: Degrades under exposure to light, especially ultraviolet radiation; requires amber or opaque packaging

• Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions (cool, dry, dark)

• pH: Aqueous solutions are slightly acidic (pH ≈ 5.0–6.5)

Applications

• Dietary supplements: Used as a bioavailable source of vitamin B2 in multivitamins, B-complex formulations, and standalone supplements.

• Food fortification: Added to enriched cereals, dairy products, infant formula, and beverages to prevent deficiency.

• Pharmaceuticals: Used in injectable formulations, ophthalmic preparations, and therapeutic products for metabolic support.

• Cosmetics: Included in skincare products for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.

• Animal feed: Added to livestock and pet feed to support growth, reproduction, and overall health.

Key Benefits

• Essential for mitochondrial energy production and electron transport.

• Supports fatty acid oxidation and amino acid metabolism.

• Plays a critical role in antioxidant defense systems (glutathione reductase).

• Maintains healthy skin, eyes, and nervous system.

• Bioavailable coenzyme form – readily utilized without requiring enzymatic conversion.

Recommended Intake

• Adults: 1.3–1.6 mg/day (RDA)

• Pregnant/lactating women: 1.4–1.6 mg/day

• Therapeutic doses for deficiency: as directed by healthcare professionals.

Safety and Handling

• Riboflavin-5-phosphate is non-toxic and generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

• Excess amounts are excreted in urine, which may cause a harmless yellow-orange discoloration.

• May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.

• Protect from light during storage and handling to prevent degradation.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, dust mask) when handling.

Packaging
Available in 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, and 25 kg containers (bags, drums, or boxes). Custom packaging upon request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for purity (by HPLC), moisture content, heavy metals, and microbial contamination to ensure compliance with food, supplement, and pharmaceutical standards.