[Study on synthesis and purification of calcium 5-formyltetrahydrofolate].

OBJECTIVE To establish a new approach to synthesis and purification of calcium 5-formytetrahydrofolate. METHODS Target compound was synthesized by the use of folic acid as starting material via reduction, formylation, hydrolysis and salt formation RESULTS The structure of calcium 5-formytetrahydrofolate was confirmed by UV, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis and the overall yield was 54%-59%, 14%-17% higher than the reported yield. CONCLUSION A convenient synthetic route was developed and it would be suitable for industrial production.