Product Description
Chemical Structure and Properties
Chemical Structure
L - ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, has the chemical name of γ - lactone of 2,3 - dihydroxy - L - butenoic acid. Its molecular formula is C6H8O6, and there is a lactone ring and two adjacent enolic hydroxyl groups in its molecular structure. This special structure endows it with strong reducibility.
Physical Properties
It is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder, odorless, and has a sour taste. Its melting point is 190 - 192ºC. It is relatively stable in dry air, but it will be gradually oxidized in moist air. Its solubility has certain characteristics. It is easily soluble in water and is acidic in water. About 3 mL of water can dissolve 1 g of it. It can also be dissolved in ethanol, but it is insoluble in organic solvents such as chloroform and ethyl ether.
Chemical Properties
Due to the existence of enolic hydroxyl groups, L - ascorbic acid has strong reducibility. It can easily lose electrons and be oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid. This oxidation process is reversible. Under certain conditions, dehydroascorbic acid can accept electrons and be reduced to L - ascorbic acid. For example, it can react with many oxidizing agents, such as iodine and ferric chloride. In these reactions, it is oxidized itself, thus playing an antioxidant role.
Application Fields
Food Industry
It is added to food as a nutritional fortifier to supplement the vitamin C needed by the human body. Many fruit juice drinks, cereal foods, infant foods, etc. will add L - ascorbic acid. It can also be used as an antioxidant to prevent the oxidation of fats, proteins, pigments and other components in food. For example, in meat processing, it can prevent the oxidative discoloration of meat and prolong the shelf - life of meat products; in oily foods, it can inhibit the oxidative rancidity of oils and fats and maintain the flavor and color of food.
Cosmetics Industry
Taking advantage of its antioxidant property, L - ascorbic acid is widely used in cosmetics. It can be added to skin - care products such as creams and serums. It can effectively combat free radicals, reduce the oxidative damage of the skin, and delay skin aging. It can also promote the synthesis of collagen, increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Moreover, it has a certain whitening effect and can inhibit the production of melanin and brighten the skin tone.
Pharmaceutical Industry
As a medicine, it is mainly used to prevent and treat vitamin C - deficiency diseases, such as scurvy. It can also play a role in the adjuvant treatment of some diseases. For example, when having a cold, appropriate supplementation of vitamin C can enhance the human body's immunity and help the body recover. During wound healing, it can promote the synthesis of collagen and is beneficial to wound repair.
Safety and Precautions
Safety
L - ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient for the human body. Under normal usage doses, whether it is ingested through food or used as an additive in food, cosmetics, medicines, etc., it is safe for the human body.
Precautions
Since it is easily oxidized, it is necessary to avoid long - term contact with air during storage and use and try to keep it sealed. When it is used in food and cosmetics, attention should be paid to the fact that its acidity may affect other components of the product. For example, in some formulations that are sensitive to pH, the pH value needs to be adjusted reasonably. At the same time, although it is a relatively safe substance, excessive intake (far exceeding the normal amount required by the human body) may cause some adverse reactions, such as diarrhea and rash.
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