Ascorbic acid
IUPAC: (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one
| Formula / Notation | C6H8O6 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 50-81-7 |
| Molecular Weight | 176.12 |
| Melting Point | 374 to 378 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.65 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | L-ascorbic acid is a white to very pale yellow crystalline powder with a pleasant sharp acidic taste. Almost odorless. (NTP, 1992) |
| Also Known As | (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one; l-ascorbic acid; vitamin C; 50-81-7; L(+)-Ascorbic acid; Ascoltin; Ascorbicap; Cevitamic acid; Allercorb; Ascorbajen |
| Category | Acids |
What is Ascorbic acid?
L-ascorbic acid is the L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid and conjugate acid of L-ascorbate. It has a role as a geroprotector, a coenzyme, a cofactor, a flour treatment agent, a plant metabolite, a food antioxidant, a food colour retention agent and a skin lightening agent. It is a vitamin C and an ascorbic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a L-ascorbate. It is an enantiomer of a D-ascorbic acid.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one
Other Names / Synonyms: (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one; l-ascorbic acid; vitamin C; 50-81-7; L(+)-Ascorbic acid; Ascoltin; Ascorbicap; Cevitamic acid; Allercorb; Ascorbajen
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 374 to 378 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.65 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 176.12 |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | L-ascorbic acid is a white to very pale yellow crystalline powder with a pleasant sharp acidic taste. Almost odorless. (NTP, 1992) |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
L-ascorbic acid is the L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid and conjugate acid of L-ascorbate. It has a role as a geroprotector, a coenzyme, a cofactor, a flour treatment agent, a plant metabolite, a food antioxidant, a food colour retention agent and a skin lightening agent. It is a vitamin C and an ascorbic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a L-ascorbate. It is an enantiomer of a D-ascorbic acid.
Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.
Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Ascorbic acid is: C6H8O6