The Preparation of Ascorbic acid

Most species can produce vitamin C. Some, such as humans and other primates, require it in their diets to avoid scurvy, a condition marked by discomfort and stiffness of the joints and lower extremities, rigidity, swollen and bleeding gums, and haemorrhages in body tissues. Vitamin C was first isolated in 1928 and recognised as a scurvy cure in 1932.

Collagen, a protein crucial in the creation of connective tissue and wound healing, requires ascorbic acid for production. It protects against damage caused by reactive molecules known as free radicals by acting as an antioxidant. The vitamin also aids in the immune system’s stimulation. Vitamin C has been proven to have anticarcinogenic effects in animal studies.

Ascorbic acid

A water-soluble vitamin that is found in nature (Vitamin C). Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that aids in the battle against bacterial infections, detoxification, and collagen production in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and vegetables and cannot be manufactured or stored by humans, thus it must be taken through the diet.

Preparation of ascorbic acid

Here, we will see how ascorbic acid is prepared in the laboratory.

Chemicals – Ascorbic acid and distilled water.

Procedure-

1. Weighing 1gm of ascorbic acid

– Select a measuring vessel (25 mL glass beaker) 

– Inspect the balance pan for cleanliness and dryness – Place the beaker on the laboratory balance

– Tie up the loose ends

– Using a spatula, remove some ascorbic acid from the original chemical bottle.

– To make 1 g of ascorbic acid, add a little ascorbic acid to the beaker.

2. Dissolving of ascorbic acid in water

– Pour some distilled water into the glass beaker containing the ascorbic acid.

– Stir with a glass rod at least every minute until all of the ascorbic acid is dissolved (ca. 5-10 min)

3. Transfer to volumetric flask

– Pour the dissolved ascorbic acid into the volumetric flask through a funnel.

– Pour the dissolved ascorbic acid into the volumetric flask through a funnel.

– Fill the flask with water until the solution level is just below the flash’s neck.

– Remove the cork from the flask and thoroughly mix by turning it upside down and back while keeping a finger on the stopper. 

– Slowly add drops of distilled water until the meniscus is aligned with the 100 ml mark when viewed directly at eye level.

4. Transfer solution to a storage bottle

• Pour the solution into the storage container with a funnel and secure the top with a screwdriver. 
• Label the storage container with the following information: ascorbic acid 1 percent w/w + date. 

5. Clean all the equipment

• Clean the balance, as well as the space surrounding it, before you continue. 
• Empty any excess or unused ascorbic acid into a rubbish receptacle that is suited for disposal. Keep surplus or unused chemicals out of the hands of children and never return them to their original containers to prevent contamination. 
• After cleaning them in demineralized water, let the beaker, glass rod, funnel, and volumetric flask air dry completely before using them again. 

Uses of ascorbic acid

• Red blood cell counts are low in patients who have been sick for a long time (anaemia or chronic disease). Vitamin C supplements taken orally may aid in the management of anaemia in dialysis patients.
• Irregular heartbeat is a condition in which the heartbeat is irregular (atrial fibrillation). Taking vitamin C orally or intravenously before and after heart surgery can help avoid irregular heartbeat. 
• Following an accident, limb pain is common (complex regional pain syndrome). Taking vitamin C by mouth after surgery or injury appears to prevent the development of complicated regional pain syndrome.
• After laser skin therapy, there is a period of recovery. After laser skin therapy for scar and wrinkle reduction, a skin lotion containing vitamin C may help to reduce skin redness.

Conclusion

When the quantity of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the food is insufficient, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is taken as a dietary supplement to augment the diet. People who have a restricted range of foods in their diet, as well as those who have intestinal malabsorption difficulties caused by cancer or renal illness, are particularly at risk for ascorbic acid insufficiency. Ascorbic acid is also used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy (a disease that causes fatigue, gum swelling, joint pain, and poor wound healing from a lack of vitamin C in the body). Ascorbic acid is a medicine that belongs to a family of pharmaceuticals known as antioxidants. It is required by the body in order to aid in the healing of wounds, to improve the absorption of iron from plant foods, and to boost the immune system in general. Because it functions as an antioxidant, it helps to protect your cells from free radicals, which may have a role in the development of heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses in the future.