Microwave-assisted cobinamide synthesis.

We present a new method for the preparation of cobinamide (CN)2Cbi, a vitamin B12 precursor, that should allow its broader utility. Treatment of vitamin B12 with only NaCN and heating in a microwave reactor affords (CN)2Cbi as the sole product. The purification procedure was greatly simplified, allowing for easy isolation of the product in 94% yield. The use of microwave heating proved beneficial also for (CN)2Cbi(c-lactone) synthesis. Treatment of (CN)2Cbi with triethanolamine led to (CN)2Cbi(c-lactam).