The Production Process of 5-METHYLTETRAHYDROFOLIC ACID DISODIUM SALT

The production process of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid disodium salt is a multi-step process that involves various chemical reactions and purification steps.
The raw materials used in this process are 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolic acid and sodium hydroxide.
The final product is a white or almost white, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water.

The production process of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid disodium salt can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Synthesis of 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolic acid: This step involves the reaction of folic acid with formaldehyde and 2-chloroethylamine.
   The reaction is carried out in the presence of a solvent, such as acetic acid or water, and results in the formation of 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolic acid.
   
2. Hydrolysis of 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolic acid: In this step, 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolic acid is treated with water and a strong acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, to cleave the methylene bridge between the 5 and 10 positions.
   This results in the formation of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid.
   
3. Alkali metal salt formation: 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid is then treated with a solution of sodium hydroxide in water.
   This results in the formation of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid disodium salt.
   The salt is formed by the exchange of the acidic hydrogen atoms in the 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid molecule with the basic sodium hydroxide molecules.
   
4. Purification: The 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid disodium salt is purified by several steps, including filtration, washing with water, and drying.
   This is necessary to remove any impurities that may have been introduced during the previous steps.
   
5. Characterization: The final product is characterized by various methods, including spectroscopic methods, such as infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and chromatographic methods, such as high performance liquid chromatography.
   These methods are used to confirm the identity and purity of the final product.
   

In conclusion, the production process of 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid disodium salt involves several chemical reactions and purification steps.
The process is carried out in a series of interconnected reactors, such as stirred tank reactors and distillation columns.
The final product is a highly purified, crystalline powder that is used as a nutritional supplement.