Inositol or cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol is a chemical compound with formula C6H12O6 or (-CHOH-)6, a six-fold alcohol (polyol) of cyclohexane. Inositol is a sugar alcohol. Inositol usually refers to Myo-inositol, a small molecule structurally similar to glucose that is involved in cellular signalling. Inositol is a mood-enhancing nutrient that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Inositol is available as a natural supplement that’s very effective at treating a wide range of mental health conditions, in some cases even better than the usually prescribed medications.
Ph Eur
C6H12O6 --- 180.2 --- 87-89-8
Action and use: Vasodilator.
DEFINITION
Cyclohexane-1,2,3,5/4,6-hexol.
Content: 97.0 per cent to 102.0 per cent (anhydrous substance).
CHARACTERS
Appearance: White or almost white, crystalline powder.
Solubility: Very soluble in water, practically insoluble in ethanol (96 per cent).
IDENTIFICATION
A. Infrared absorption spectrophotometry. Comparison myo-inositol CRS.
B. Examine the chromatograms obtained in the assay.
Results: The principal peak in the chromatogram obtained with the test solution is similar in retention time and size to the principal peak in the chromatogram obtained with reference solution (a).
TESTS
Solution S: Dissolve 10.0 g in distilled water R and dilute to 100.0 mL with the same solvent.
Appearance of solution: Solution S is clear and colourless.
Conductivity: Maximum 30 µS/cm.
Dissolve 10.0 g in carbon dioxide-free water R prepared from distilled water R, with gentle warming if necessary, and dilute to 50.0 mL with the same solvent. Measure the conductivity of the solution while gently stirring with a magnetic stirrer.
Related substances: Liquid chromatography. To pass the test.
Barium: To 10 mL of solution S add 1 mL of dilute sulfuric acid R. When examined immediately, and after 1 h, any opalescence in the solution is not more intense than that in a mixture of 1 mL of distilled water R and 10 mL of solution S.
Lead: Maximum 0.5 ppm.
Water: Maximum 0.5 per cent, determined on 1.00 g.
ASSAY
Liquid chromatography: Calculate the percentage content of C6H12O6 from the declared content of myo- inositol CRS.
IMPURITIES
Specified impurities: A, B.
A. d-mannitol
B. propane-1,2,3-triol (glycerol).
1,2,3,5/4,6-Cyclohexanehexol; i-Inositol; meso-Inositol; myo-Inositol
C6H12O6 Formula wt 180.16
CAS: [87-89-8]
DESCRIPTION
Inositol occurs as fine, white crystals or as a white, crystalline powder. Its solutions are neutral to litmus. It is optically inactive. It is stable in air. One gram is soluble in 6 mL of water. It is slightly soluble in alcohol, and is insoluble in ether and in chloroform.
Function: Nutrient.