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C₆H₈O₆ is the chemical formula for ascorbic acid, often known as vitamin C. It’s a water-soluble vitamin that’s found in nature. When it comes to fighting germs, ascorbic acid is a potent reducing and antioxidant agent that may make a significant difference. Through detoxifying mechanisms, it aids in the manufacture of collagen in fibrous tissues, connective tissues, bones, capillaries, and the skin, among other things. Citrus fruits and vegetables have the most ascorbic acid. Humans are unable to make or store it, thus it must be consumed through the diet. In this article, we will learn everything there is to know about ascorbic acid, including what it is and its physical and chemical properties, uses and side-effects of ascorbic acid and also about its structure.
It is a kind of vitamin C that must be obtained from dietary sources since humans are unable to produce it. Vitamin C, commonly known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that has antioxidant properties. Some foods that contain it include citrus fruits and strawberries; broccoli; raw bell pepper; kiwifruit; brussels sprouts; and other vegetables and fruits. It is a water-soluble compound. This chemical molecule is both an oxidant and a reducing agent, and it is employed in both applications.
Ascorbic acid may be found in leafy green vegetables, potatoes, and tomatoes, among other foods. It is often used in the treatment and prevention of common colds. It is applied to the skin in order to protect it from the sun and pollutants. Those suffering from depression or Alzheimer’s disease may also benefit from taking vitamin C.
Properties of Ascorbic Acid
Chemical Formula- C₆H₈O₆.
Common names- Vitamin C and Ascorbate
Molar mass- 176.12 g/mol
Density of Ascorbic Acid- 1.694 g/cm³
Melting Point of Ascorbic Acid- 190℃
Boiling Point of Ascorbic Acid- 553℃
Structure of Ascorbic Acid
Preparation of Ascorbic Acid
In industry, ascorbic acid is made from glucose using a technology based on the Reichstein process. Glucose is catalytically converted to sorbitol, which is subsequently oxidised to sorbose by the bacterium Acetobacter suboxydans in the first of a five-step process. This enzymatic process only oxidises one of the six hydroxy groups. There are two options from this point. Four of the remaining hydroxyl groups are converted to acetals when the product is treated with acetone in the presence of an acid catalyst. By reacting with the catalytic oxidant TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl radical) (regenerated by sodium hypochlorite — bleaching solution), the unprotected hydroxyl group is converted to carboxylic acid. Historically, potassium permanganate was employed as a bleaching solution in the Reichstein process for industrial preparation. This product’s acid-catalysed hydrolysis accomplishes both the removal of the two acetal groups and the ring-closing lactonization. Ascorbic acid is produced in this process. Each of the five processes has a yield of at least 90%.
Uses of Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid may be used in a number of different ways. Each of these items will be discussed in detail below.
It is frequently used in the treatment of scurvy
Collagen fibres are formed in connective tissues, fibrous tissues, teeth, and bones by this substance
It is used to prevent HIV transmission from pregnant moms to their babies
It’s also used to treat acne, pimples, and gum infections
It’s also used to treat stomach ulcers caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria
Side effects of Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, and because dietary excesses are not absorbed and excesses in the blood are swiftly eliminated in the urine, it has a very low acute toxicity under these conditions. Vitamin C in excess of 2 to 3 grams might cause indigestion, especially if taken on an empty stomach. Taking ascorbic acid in the form of sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate, on the other hand, may help to reduce this effect.
Nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps have also been recorded as side effects of high vitamin C doses. The osmotic impact of the unabsorbed vitamin C that travels through the colon causes these effects. In principle, a higher vitamin C intake could lead to an increase in iron absorption in the body.
Conclusion
Ascorbic acid, often known as vitamin C or ascorbate, is a vitamin that can be found in a variety of foods and taken as a supplement. Scurvy is prevented and treated with this supplement. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient that aids in tissue healing and the enzymatic synthesis of neurotransmitters. It is necessary for the proper functioning of numerous enzymes in the body, as well as the immune system. It also has antioxidant properties. Collagen production, iron absorption, immune response activation, wound healing, and osteogenesis are just a few of the physiological activities that ascorbic acid is involved in.
