Sodium ascorbate
General Product Information
| Article | Sodium ascorbate |
| Synonyms | E301, Sodium (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-2H-furan-3-olate, Sodascorbate; Monosodium ascorbate |
| CAS No. | 134-03-2 |
| EEG No. | 607-095-00-3 |
| EINECS No. | 205-126-1 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29362200 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Sodium ascorbate is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C. It is a versatile and stable Shape of vitamin C, often used as an antioxidant in various industries. Sodium ascorbate has similar properties to ascorbic acid, but is more resistant to oxidation, giving it a wide range of applications, especially in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. BP Grade ensures that the product meets the strict standards required for Pharmaceutical Applications.
Characteristics
- Grade: Pharmaceutical.
- BP Grade: High purity and meets stricter standards for solvent residues and other contaminants.
- High purity: Meets pharmaceutical requirements for use in medicinal applications.
- Flavor: Mild, slightly acidic flavor.
- Stability: Sodium ascorbate is more stable than ascorbic acid at storage at room temperature and in dry conditions. It is less susceptible to oxidation, which increases the shelf life of products containing it.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C6H7NaO6 |
| Molar Weight | 198.12 g/mol |
| Melting Point | The substance decomposes without a clear melting point at temperatures above 200°C. |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water. |
| Density | – |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Approximately 6-7 |
| Color | White to light yellow |
| Shape | Crystalline Powder |
Applications
Sodium ascorbate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
It is used in vitamin C supplements and intravenous solutions for people with vitamin C deficiencies, as well as in other pharmaceutical preparations where antioxidants are needed.
2. Cosmetic Industry
Sodium ascorbate is often used in skin care products because of its antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from harmful free radicals and aging.
3. Food Industry
Sodium ascorbate (as food additive E301) is widely used as an antioxidant in food products, especially in processed meat products, juices, fruits and vegetables, where it extends shelf life and prevents discoloration. It is also used as a vitamin C supplement in food products.
4. Veterinary Medicine
It is sometimes added to animal feeds to support animals’ immune systems and reduce oxidative stress.
Interessing Links
- British Pharmacopoeia (BP) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – Sodium Ascorbate – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC) – Food facts for healthy choices.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- European Pharmacopoeia (EP) of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare.
- PubChem – Sodium Ascorbate of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Wikipedia – Sodium ascorbate