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Ascorbic acid is chemically reactive with oxygen, light, and heat.
Ascorbic acid can degrade over time, especially in solution.
Ascorbic acid is important to maintain stability.
CAS Number: 50-81-7
Molecular Formula: C6H8O6
Molecular Weight: 176.12
EINECS Number: 200-066-2
Synonyms:L-ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, vitamin C, 50-81-7, L(+)-Ascorbic acid, Ascoltin, Ascorbicap, Cevitamic acid, Allercorb, Ascorbajen, Ascorin, Ascorteal, Ascorvit, Cantaxin, Cebicure, Cegiolan, Ceglion, Cenetone, Cergona, Cetemican, Cevatine, Redoxon, Viscorin, Vitacimin, Vitacin, Cantan, Cebion, Cereon, Cecon, Celin, Cevex, Hicee, Catavin C, Laroscorbine, Testascorbic, Ascorbutina, Celaskon, Cescorbat, Cevitamin, Citriscorb, Colascor, Concemin, Lemascorb, Proscorbin, Roscorbic, Viforcit, Vitamisin, Vitascorbol, Adenex, Ascorb, Cebione, Cemagyl, Cemill, Cetamid, Cevimin, Cevital, Cevitan, Cevitex, Ciamin, Ribena, Vicelat, Vitace, Vitacee, Cebid, Cipca, Xitix, Antiscorbic vitamin, Davitamon C, Arco-cee, Planavit C, Ce lent, L-Xyloascorbic acid, Liqui-Cee, Vicomin C, Cee-Vite, Scorbacid, Scorbu-C, Antiscorbutic vitamin, Duoscorb, C-Level, C-Vimin, Cetane-Caps TD, Cewin, C-Long, C-Quin, C-Span, Meri-C, Cee-Caps TD, Ce-Mi-Lin, L-Lyxoascorbic acid, Cetane-Caps TC, 3-Oxo-L-gulofuranolactone, Acidum ascorbicum, Natrascorb injectable, 3-Keto-L-gulofuranolactone, IDO-C, L-(+)-Ascorbic Acid, Acidum ascorbinicum, CE-VI-Sol, Acido ascorbico, Ascor-B.I.D., Acide ascorbique, Kyselina askorbova, Dora-C-500, L-3-Ketothreohexuronic acid lactone, FEMA No. 2109, Ascor, NCI-C54808, Ascorbicum acidum, L-threo-Hex-2-enonic acid, gamma-lactone, Ascorbic acid, l-, PQ6CK8PD0R, Hex-2-enonic acid gamma-lactone, L-threo-, NSC 33832, Vitamin c (as ascorbic acid), INS NO.300, DTXSID5020106, INS-300, L-threo-hex-2-enono-1,4-lactone, NSC-33832, NSC-218455, (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one, (5R)-5-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one, E300, DTXCID90106, CHEBI:29073, (5R)-5-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, cevibid, E 300, Magnesium Ascorbicum, Ascorbic Acid, Monosodium Salt, NSC33832, vitamin-c, (5R)-5-((1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one, Haliborange, Asorbicap, Clairfore, scar clearing, Ascur, CleanFlex, vitaminum C, (2R)-2-((1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one, Acid, Ascorbic, C Vitamin, L Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C Drops, Amerix Vitamin C, Leonas Vitamin C, Ascorbate, Sodium, Top c, Acid, L-Ascorbic, Ascorbate, Ferrous, HICELl, Ascorbic Acid 5%, PureVita Vitamin C, Pro-agingsuper serum, Redoxon slow release, Ascorbate, Magnesium, Vitamin C 500mg, Moisturizer Face Cream, VITA RICH, Ascorbic Acid 1505, RefChem:6617, Vitamin C 10 %, Vitamin C 15 %, VITAMIN C SERUM, VIT C, Ascor L 500, GlyTouCan:G06868CT, di-L-Ascorbate, Magnesium, Vitamin C 500 mg/5 mL, 2-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-4,5-dihydroxy-furan-3-one, 200-066-2, Cenolate, Hybrin, Natrascorb, Secorbate, Cevalin, Cevi-Bid, Cortalex, Ferancee, Stuartinic, Tolfrinic, L-Threoascorbic acid, Chromagen, L-threo-Ascorbic acid, Caswell No. 061B, (+)-Ascorbic acid, MFCD00064328, Ascorbic acid [BAN:INN:JAN], EINECS 200-066-2, UNII-PQ6CK8PD0R, Ascorbic acid (vit C), L-Ascorbic acid, meets USP testing specifications, ASCORBIC ACID [INN], ASCORBIC ACID [USP-RS], ASCORBIC ACID [WHO-DD], ASCORBIC ACID [WHO-IP], L-Ascorbic acid, >=99.0%, CHEMBL40274, DB00126, CAS-50-81-7, 3-Keto-L-gulofuranolactone;3-Oxo-L-gulofuranolactone;3-oxo-l-gulofuranolactone(enolform);Adenex;Allercorb;Antiscorbic vitamin;antiscorbicvitamin;Antiscorbutic vitamin
Ascorbic acid exhibits strong antioxidant behavior, preventing oxidation of other compounds.
Ascorbic acid protects food components such as fats and vitamins.
This helps extend shelf life.
Ascorbic acid plays an essential role in biological systems, including collagen synthesis and immune function.
Ascorbic acid is required in the human diet.
Deficiency can lead to health issues such as scurvy.
In food systems, Ascorbic acid acts as a preservative and color stabilizer.
Ascorbic acid prevents browning and oxidation.
This improves food quality and appearance.
Ascorbic acid is best described as a natural antioxidant vitamin used as a food additive, preservative, and nutritional compound, essential for both industrial and biological functions.
Ascorbic acid exhibits reversible oxidation–reduction behavior, cycling between ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid.
This redox cycling enables continuous antioxidant activity.
Ascorbic acid helps protect biological and chemical systems from oxidative damage.
Ascorbic acid can act as a chelating agent for metal ions, such as iron and copper.
This reduces metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions.
Ascorbic acid improves stability in food and formulations.
Ascorbic acid contributes to color stabilization in food systems.
It prevents enzymatic browning in fruits and vegetables.
This helps maintain visual quality.
Ascorbic acid shows synergistic effects with other preservatives and antioxidants.
When combined with compounds like sulfites or tocopherols, its effectiveness increases.
This enhances overall preservation.
Ascorbic acid, a water-soluble dietary supplement, is consumed by humans more than any other supplement.
The name ascorbic means antiscurvy and denotes the ability of ascorbic to combat this disease.
Ascorbic acid is the l-enantiomer of ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic acid acts as an electron donor for eight different enzymes, including those related to collagen hydroxylation, carnitine synthesis (which aids in the generation of adenosine triphosphate), norepinephrine synthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and amidating peptides.
Ascorbic acid demonstrates antioxidant activity that may be of some benefit for reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cataracts.
Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble organic compound (vitamin C) widely used as a food additive, antioxidant, and nutritional supplement.
Ascorbic acids chemical formula is C₆H₈O₆.
It is an essential vitamin for humans.
Chemically, ascorbic acid is a lactone with multiple hydroxyl (–OH) groups, giving it strong reducing properties.
It can easily donate electrons and act as an antioxidant.
Ascorbic acid is often converted to its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid.
Physically, Ascorbic acid appears as a white to slightly yellow crystalline powder.
It is highly soluble in water.
It has a slightly acidic taste.
Ascorbic acid deficiency in humans results in the body’s inability to synthesize collagen, which is the most abundant protein in vertebrates.
Ascorbic acid is a naturally occurring electron donor and therefore serves as a reducing agent.
Ascorbic acid is synthesized from glucose in the liver of most mammalian species, excluding humans, non-human primates, or guinea pigs who must obtain it through dietary consumption.
Melting point: 190–194 °C (dec.)
alpha: 20.5 º (c=10, H2O)
Boiling point: 227.71 °C (rough estimate)
Density: 1.65 g/cm³
FEMA: 2109 | ASCORBIC ACID
refractive index: 21 ° (C=10, H2O)
storage temp.: Store at +5°C to +30°C
solubility: H2O: 50 mg/mL at 20 °C, clear, nearly colorless
form: powder
pKa: 4.04, 11.7 (at 25℃)
color: white to slightly yellow
pH: 3.59 (1 mM solution); 3.04 (10 mM solution); 2.53 (100 mM solution)
Odor: Odorless
pH Range: 1–2.5
Appearance: colorless solid
Odor Type: green
optical activity: [α]25/D 19.0 to 23.0°, c = 10% in H2O
biological source: synthetic (organic)
Water Solubility: 333 g/L (20 ºC)
Merck: 14,830
BRN: 84272
BCS Class: 1
Stability: Stable. May be weakly light or air sensitive. Incompatible with oxidizing agents, alkalies, iron, copper
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: ANTIOXIDANT; BUFFERING; FRAGRANCE; SKIN CONDITIONING
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): Ascorbic Acid (50-81-7)
InChI: 1S/C6H8O6/c7-1-2(8)5-3(9)4(10)6(11)12-5/h2,5,7-10H,1H2/t2-,5+/m0/s1
InChIKey: CIWBSHSKHKDKBQ-JLAZNSOCSA-N
SMILES: OC(C@
([H])O1)=C(O)C1=O
LogP: -1.85
Ascorbic acid reduces iron to a more absorbable form.
This improves nutritional uptake.
Ascorbic acid is often used in combination with other antioxidants.
Ascorbic acid can regenerate oxidized forms of compounds such as vitamin E.
This enhances overall antioxidant systems.
Ascorbic acid shows good solubility in water but low solubility in nonpolar solvents.
This limits its use in oil-based systems unless modified.
Derivatives are often used for such applications.
Ascorbic acid is a highly reactive, water-soluble antioxidant with essential biological and chemical functions, widely used in food, health, and industrial applications.
Ascorbic acid can undergo degradation to form diketogulonic acid and other byproducts.
This occurs under unfavorable conditions such as heat and oxygen exposure.
This reduces its effectiveness over time.
Ascorbic acid is often modified into ascorbate salts or derivatives (e.g., sodium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate).
These forms improve stability or solubility in different systems.
This expands its applications.
Because of its biological importance, ascorbic acid is involved in antioxidant defense systems in living organisms.
Ascorbic acid helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
Ascorbic acid is a multifunctional antioxidant with redox activity, metal-chelating ability, and essential biological roles, making it highly valuable in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
Ascorbic acid is a food additive that belongs to the category of antioxidants.
In the food industry, Ascorbic acid is one of the most widely used nutritional additives as: antioxidant, preservative, nitrosamine inhibitor, fortificant, etc.
Ascorbic acid is a strong reducing agent, meaning it readily donates electrons in chemical reactions.
This property allows it to neutralize free radicals.
Ascorbic acid plays a key role in preventing oxidative damage.
The molecule contains an enediol structure, which is responsible for its antioxidant activity.
This structure is easily oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid.
The reaction is reversible under certain conditions.
Ascorbic acid exhibits pH-dependent stability.
Ascorbic acid is more stable in acidic environments.
At higher pH, it degrades more rapidly.
Ascorbic acid is highly sensitive to oxygen, light, and heat.
Exposure to these factors accelerates degradation.
This is important in food processing and storage.
Ascorbic acid can act as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions, particularly in hydroxylation processes.
Ascorbic acid is essential for collagen formation.
This supports skin, bone, and tissue health.
Ascorbic acid also enhances the absorption of non-heme iron in the body.
Uses:
Ascorbic acid strengthens dough and improves texture.
This enhances bread quality.
Ascorbic acid is widely used in dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.
Ascorbic acid provides vitamin C for health and nutrition.
This supports immune function and metabolism.
In meat and processed foods, it helps maintain color and prevent oxidation.
Ascorbic acid stabilizes cured meat products.
This improves appearance and shelf life.
Ascorbic acid is applied in cosmetics and skincare products as an antioxidant.
Ascorbic acid helps protect skin from oxidative stress.
This supports anti-aging formulations.
In pharmaceutical formulations, it is used as a stabilizer and antioxidant for active ingredients.
Ascorbic acid prevents degradation of sensitive compounds.
This ensures product effectiveness.
Ascorbic acid is also used in analytical and laboratory applications as a reducing agent.
It participates in chemical reactions and testing.
Ascorbic acid is used wherever antioxidant protection, preservation, nutritional supplementation, and stabilization are required across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and laboratory applications.
Ascorbic acid is used in frozen foods to prevent oxidation during storage.
Ascorbic acid helps preserve color, flavor, and nutritional value.
This improves product quality over time.
In dairy products, it is used as an antioxidant and nutritional additive.
Ascorbic acid helps maintain stability and vitamin content.
This enhances shelf life and health value.
Ascorbic acid is applied in wine and beverage stabilization.
It helps prevent oxidation and preserves aroma.
This improves sensory quality.
In infant nutrition and fortified foods, it is added as an essential vitamin.
Ascorbic acid supports growth and immune function.
This ensures adequate nutritional intake.
Ascorbic acid is used in hair-care and cosmetic formulations to protect products from oxidation.
It stabilizes sensitive ingredients.
This improves formulation longevity.
In pharmaceutical tablets and injections, it acts as an antioxidant and stabilizer.
Ascorbic acid prevents degradation of active compounds.
This ensures product effectiveness.
Ascorbic acid is applied in water treatment and chemical processes as a reducing agent.
It helps remove oxidizing agents such as chlorine.
This supports process control.
In food packaging systems, it may be used as an oxygen scavenger.
Ascorbic acid helps reduce oxygen levels inside packaging.
This extends shelf life.
Ascorbic acid is also used in laboratory and analytical chemistry for redox reactions and titrations.
It serves as a standard or reagent.
Ascorbic acid is used wherever oxidation control, nutritional supplementation, stabilization, and reducing action are required across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications.
The starting point for synthesis of vitamin C is the selective of oxidation of the sugar compound D-sorbit to L-sorbose using Acetobacter suboxidans bacteria.
Ascorbic acid is then converted to L-ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C.
Ascorbic acid is known to control intercellular colloidal substances such as collagen, and when formulated into the proper vehicles, can have a skin-lightening effect.
Ascorbic acid is said to be able to help the body fortify against infectious conditions by strengthening the immune system.
There is some evidence (although debated) that vitamin C can pass through the layers of the skin and promote healing in tissue damaged by burns or injury.
Ascorbic acid is found, therefore, in burn ointments and creams used for abrasions.
Ascorbic acid is also popular in anti-aging products. Current studies indicate possible anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Ascorbic acid, and calcium salts of ascorbic acids are called ascorbates and are used as food preservatives.
To make ascorbic acid fat-soluble, it can be esterified.
Esters of ascorbic acid and acids, such as palmitic acid to form ascorbyl palmitate and stearic acid to form ascorbic stearate, are used as antioxidants in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Ascorbic acid is also essential in the metabolism of some amino acids.
Ascorbic acid helps protect cells from free radical damage, helps iron absorption, and is essential for many metabolic processes.
Ascorbic acid is widely used as an antioxidant in food products.
Ascorbic acid prevents oxidation of fats, flavors, and vitamins.
This helps extend shelf life and maintain quality.
In fruit and vegetable processing, it is used to prevent enzymatic browning.
Ascorbic acid maintains color and freshness of cut produce.
This improves visual appeal.
Ascorbic acid is used in beverages and juices as a preservative and nutrient.
Ascorbic acid stabilizes flavor and prevents oxidation.
In bakery products, it acts as a flour improver.
Safety Profile:
Ascorbic acid ingestion is generally safe at normal dietary levels, but very high doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
Excessive intake should be avoided.
Ascorbic acid is not flammable under normal conditions, but fine powder may pose a dust explosion risk in industrial settings.
Proper handling and dust control are important.
Standard fire safety precautions should be followed.
Moderately toxic by ingestion and intravenous routes, human systemic effects by intravenous route: blood, changes in tubules (including acute renal failure, acute tubular necrosis).
An experimental teratogen, other experimental reproductive effects.
Mutation data reported when heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Ascorbic acid is generally considered to have low hazard potential, especially at levels used in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient and widely regarded as safe.
However, concentrated forms and excessive exposure may cause mild effects.
Skin contact is usually well tolerated, but prolonged exposure to concentrated powder may cause mild irritation or dryness.
Sensitive individuals may experience slight redness.
Basic protective measures are recommended in industrial settings.
Eye contact may cause mild to moderate irritation.
Symptoms can include redness, watering, and discomfort.
Eyes should be rinsed thoroughly with water if exposure occurs.
Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory irritation, especially in powder handling environments.
Symptoms can include coughing or throat irritation.
Adequate ventilation and dust control are recommended.
