Ascorbic acid
General Product Information
| Article | Ascorbic acid |
| Synonyms | E300, Vitamine C, (5R)-[(1S)-1,2-Dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one, l-threo-Hex-2-enono-1,4-lactone |
| CAS No. | 50-81-7 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 200-066-2 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29362700 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C, is an essential, water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. In industrial applications, ascorbic acid is widely used as a food additive, antioxidant and reducing agent. It is a white to pale yellow crystalline substance without odor, with a slightly acidic taste. Because of its broad functionality and safety, ascorbic acid is used in a variety of industries, from the food industry to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemistry.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Color: White to light yellow.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water; limited solubility in alcohol.
- Flavor: Slightly acidic.
- Stability: Sensitive to light, oxygen and high temperatures.
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C6H8O6 |
| Molar Weight | 176.12 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 190-192 °C (with decomposition) |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | – |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | 2.2-2.5 (on 1% solution) |
Interessing Links
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- Food Chemicals Codex (FCC).
- PubChem – Ascorbic Acid – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Chemistry of ascorbic acid
Applications
Ascorbic acid is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
As an antioxidant (as a food additive E300) in foods and beverages to inhibit oxidation, prevent discoloration and extend shelf life. Enrichment of products as a source of vitamin C (e.g., fruit juices, supplements).
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
As an active ingredient in vitamin preparations, infusion solutions and immunity boosters. In combination with iron to improve absorption.
3. Chemical Industry
As a reductor in various syntheses and as a stabilizer in polymers.
4. Animal Nutrition
Addition to livestock feed as a dietary supplement.
5. Cosmetic Industry
In skin care products as an antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient (lightens pigmentation spots, promotes collagen production).