5,6-Dimethylbenzimidazole

5,6-Dimethylbenzimidazole is a natural benzimidazole derivative. It is a component of vitamin B₁₂ where it serves as a ligand for the cobalt atom.^[1]

5,6-Dimethylbenzimidazole

Names
Preferred IUPAC name 5,6-Dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole
Identifiers
CAS Number	582-60-5 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
Beilstein Reference	116595
ChEBI	CHEBI:15890
ChEMBL	ChEMBL351132
ChemSpider	655
DrugBank	DB02591
ECHA InfoCard	100.008.627
EC Number	209-488-1
Gmelin Reference	279255
KEGG	C03114
PubChem CID	675
UNII	553XI1DS20
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID70870631
InChI InChI=1S/C9H10N2/c1-6-3-8-9(4-7(6)2)11-5-10-8/h3-5H,1-2H3,(H,10,11) Key: LJUQGASMPRMWIW-UHFFFAOYSA-N InChI=1/C9H10N2/c1-6-3-8-9(4-7(6)2)11-5-10-8/h3-5H,1-2H3,(H,10,11) Key: LJUQGASMPRMWIW-UHFFFAOYAV
SMILES CC1=CC2=C(C=C1C)N=CN2
Properties
Chemical formula	C9H10N2
Molar mass	146.193 g·mol−1
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Pictograms
Signal word	Warning
Hazard statements	H302, H315, H319, H335, H412
Precautionary statements	P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P321, P330, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P403+P233, P405, P501
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

5,6-Dimethylbenzimidazole is biosynthesized from flavin mononucleotide by the enzyme 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole synthase.^[2]

Chemical structure

The IUPAC name for 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole is 1H-benzimidazole, 5,6-dimethyl-. It consists of a benzene ring fused to an imidazole ring, with methyl groups positioned at specific carbon atoms.

Physical properties

5,6-Dimethylbenzimidazole typically presents itself as a white to off-white crystalline solid. The compound has a molecular weight of approximately 146.19 g/mol.

Chemical properties

The compound's chemical reactivity is attributed to the benzene and imidazole rings, enabling it to participate in various chemical reactions such as nucleophilic and electrophilic substitutions.

Occurrence and uses

Biological significance

Benzimidazole derivatives, including 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole, are known to occur in natural products and pharmaceuticals.^[which?] They often exhibit diverse biological activities, making them intriguing subjects for further study.^[vague]

This functional group occurs in true vitamin B₁₂. One form of pseudovitamin B₁₂, i.e. a compound usable by B₁₂-dependent lactic acid bacteria but not by humans, has this group replaced with adenyl.^[3] Despite production of pseudo B₁₂ in groups as distantly related as lactic acid bacteria and Cyanobacteria, DMB is preferred over adenine by the vast majority of versions of CobT, the enzyme responsible for making the active phosphoribosylated "lower group" of cobalamin.^[4]

Medicinal chemistry

Researchers have explored the pharmacological properties of benzimidazole derivatives, with some displaying antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, and antifungal activities.^{[medical citation needed]} The specific medicinal properties of 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole may vary based on its structural features and substituent.^[vague]

Research applications

In scientific research, 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole may find applications due to its unique structural characteristics.^[vague] Additionally, it could serve as a valuable precursor in the synthesis of other compounds with specific desired properties.^[vague]