Folic acid or vitamin B9 and the resulting metabolites are essential to a number of organisms. Folic acid is slightly soluble in aqueous solution (0.076 mg/mL) and dissolves freely in dilute acids and alkaline solutions.
| Mechanism of Action | Cellular enzymes convert folic acid into dihydrofolic acid which is used as a precursor for a number of compounds including tetrahydrofolate (THF) which are involved in DNA repair and synthesis because of its role in purine synthesis. |
| Microbiology Applications | Folic acid is frequently used in cell culture to provide tetrahydrofolates and other essential metabolites. |
| Molecular Formula | C19H19N7O6 |
| Solubility | Acids (dilute): Soluble Alkaline solutions: Soluble Methanol: Slightly soluble Water: Slightly soluble |
| References | Aaronson, S., and et al. "Relationship Between Purines Folic Acid-Vitamins." Journal of Bacteriology 75.6 (1958): 660-65. www.ncbi.gov. Web. 31 Aug. 2012. |
