L-methylfolate properties
Developing sophisticated pharmaceutical and functional food products requires comprehensive data about ingredient behavior under varied physical conditions. When formulators select dietary ingredients, stability and handleability during manufacturing are as crucial as bioactivity. Among premium nutrient fortifiers, synthesized L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium represents a triumph of engineering. This technical monograph explores the precise physical and chemical properties of this compound, focusing on the highly sought-after, stabilized Crystalline Form I, which has revolutionized solid-dose formulation.
Etymology, Origin, and Nomenclature of Levomefolate Calcium
The chemical nomenclature of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium is rooted directly in its molecular configuration. The “L” designation specifies its left-handed enantiomeric purity, the only biologically active isomer in human metabolic pathways [3]. “5-methyl” signifies the addition of a methyl group at the nitrogen-5 position of the pteridine ring, while “tetrahydrofolate” denotes the fully hydrogenated structure containing four hydrogen atoms. Finally, the “calcium” portion identifies its preparation as a calcium salt, selected specifically to enhance stable crystal formation. This systematic naming aligns with international IUPAC guidelines, defining a molecule designed to bypass hepatic reduction entirely. Because it is a bioavailable Active folate for prenatal supplements, it supports maternal folate needs without relying on hepatic conversion. [4]
Comprehensive Physical Properties of the Active Substance
From a bulk handling perspective, our synthesized L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium is a high-purity, off-white to yellowish crystalline powder. It possesses a distinct Chemical Abstracts Service designation as CAS No. 151533-22-1. When analyzed for physical quality, it exhibits an exceptionally controlled particle size distribution, with a D90 specification of less than 20.0 micrometers, which ensures uniform blending in complex multi-ingredient powders. Its bulk density is maintained within a precise range of 0.25 to 0.45 grams per milliliter, providing ideal flow properties. Under thermal analysis, the compound exhibits a high melting point, starting at approximately 245 degrees Celsius, followed by decomposition, demonstrating excellent resistance to standard high-heat manufacturing processes. As a dependable L-methylfolate bulk powder, it offers consistent flow and uniform blending for high-quality solid dosage forms.
Chemical Characteristics and the Superiority of Crystalline Type I
At the molecular level, the chemical formula of this compound is C20H23CaN7O6 with a molecular weight of 497.5 grams per mole. Synthesized L-methylfolate is hydrophilic, demonstrating a high affinity for water-based environments, and exhibits minimal lipophilicity. However, raw amorphous L-methylfolate is highly hygroscopic, absorbing ambient moisture rapidly, which results in clumping and rapid chemical degradation. To solve this, our advanced chemical synthesis isolates Crystalline Form I. Stability tests show that Crystalline Form I exhibits remarkable thermodynamic resistance, retaining 99.1% purity with a negligible water absorption rate of only 1.8% when exposed to 40 degrees Celsius and 75% relative humidity for 90 days. In comparison, the unstable amorphous form of L-methylfolate degrades to a low 84.3% purity and exhibits a massive 12.4% water absorption under the identical test parameters, leading to formulation collapse [1]. It exhibits moderate solubility in water, dissolving at approximately 10 milligrams per milliliter at room temperature, while being virtually insoluble in organic solvents [2]. For manufacturers, this Active folate raw material for dietary supplements brings together purity, stability, and easy handling. With Synthetic L-5-MTHF Ca, formulators can create robust tablets, capsules, and powdered blends with confidence. As a gentle Bioavailable Folate Ingredient, it is designed to meet modern expectations for clean, effective nutrition.
[1] PubChem National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Levomefolate calcium,” PubChem Compound Summary,
[2] ScienceDirect Academic Database, “Levomefolic Acid Properties and Characterization,”
[3] NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, “Folate Fact Sheet for Health Professionals,”
[4] EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies, “Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for folate,”
