Ascorbic acid is also known as vitamin C and is denoted by C6H8O6 . It is a natural water-soluble vitamin. Ascorbic acid is called as a potent reducing and antioxidant agent which functions to fight against the bacterial infections helps to detoxify the reactions and helps in the formation of collagen in the fibrous tissues, connective tissues, bones, capillaries, and skin. Ascorbic acid is found mostly in citrus fruits and vegetables. It cannot be produced or stored by humans and should be ingested in the diet. In this article, we will learn about the ascorbic acid information in detail which would mainly include what is ascorbic acid and its physical and chemical properties.
Ascorbic Acid Formula
Ascorbic acid also called as vitamin C or ascorbate is a vitamin that is found in several food items and is also taken as a food supplement. It is used in the prevention and treatment of scurvy. Ascorbic acid is a vital nutrient which is involved in the repairing of tissue and the enzymatic production of the neurotransmitters. It is needed for the functioning of several enzymes in the body and is essential for the functioning of the immune system. It also acts as an antioxidant.
Ascorbic Acid Structure
Let us now take a look at the ascorbic acid molecule structure.
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Let us look at the physical as well as the chemical properties of ascorbic acid. Take a look at the table given below:
Properties of Ascorbic Acid
Uses of Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is used in several ways. Let us look at each one of them.
It is widely used in the treatment of the disease scurvy
It is used to form the collagen fibres in the connective tissues, fibrous tissues, teeth, and bones.
It helps to fight against bacterial infections
It functions to detoxify the reactions
It is used for the prevention of the transfer of HIV from the expectant mothers to babies
It is also used in the treatment of pimples, acne and gum infection
It is used for the prevention of the gallbladder disease
It is also used for treating the stomach ulcers that are caused by Helicobacter pylori
Side Effects of Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, and with the dietary excesses that are not absorbed, and the excesses in the blood is rapidly excreted in the urine, it exhibits under these conditions a remarkably low acute toxicity. More than 2 to 3 grams of vitamin C may even cause indigestion, particularly when you take it on an empty stomach. However, taking ascorbic acid in the form of sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate may tend to minimize this effect.
Other symptoms that are reported for large doses of vitamin C include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps. These effects happen due to the osmotic effect of the unabsorbed vitamin C that passes through the intestine. In theory, a higher vitamin C intake may even cause excessive absorption of iron in the body.
FAQs on Ascorbic Acid
1. What is the chemical formula and structure of Ascorbic Acid?
The chemical formula for Ascorbic Acid is C₆H₈O₆. Structurally, it is a lactone, which is a cyclic ester. Its IUPAC name is (5R)-5-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one. The molecule features a five-membered ring containing an enediol functional group, which is fundamental to its chemical properties and reactivity.
2. What are the primary chemical properties and uses of Ascorbic Acid?
Ascorbic acid is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. Its key chemical property is its function as a powerful reducing agent and antioxidant, as it is easily oxidised. Its main uses in a chemical and biological context include:
- Treating and preventing the deficiency disease scurvy.
- Acting as a food additive (E300) to prevent spoilage from oxidation.
- Playing a vital role in the biochemical synthesis of collagen, a key protein in connective tissues.
- Functioning as an important co-factor in several enzymatic reactions within the body.
3. How is Ascorbic Acid classified as a vitamin according to the CBSE syllabus?
According to the NCERT/CBSE syllabus for Chemistry, Ascorbic Acid is classified as a water-soluble vitamin, known as Vitamin C. This classification means it dissolves in water and is not stored in the body's fatty tissues. Any excess amount is typically excreted through urine, which is why it must be regularly supplied in the diet. Its deficiency is known to cause the disease scurvy.
4. What is the actual difference between Ascorbic Acid and Vitamin C?
In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably. "Ascorbic Acid" is the specific chemical name for the molecule (C₆H₈O₆). "Vitamin C" is the common nutritional name for any compound exhibiting the biological activity of ascorbic acid. The L-isomer of ascorbic acid (L-Ascorbic Acid) is the form that is biologically active in humans, so when we refer to Vitamin C, we are almost always talking about L-Ascorbic Acid.
5. Why is Ascorbic Acid considered an 'acid' if it lacks a carboxyl group?
Ascorbic Acid's acidity does not come from a typical carboxyl (-COOH) group. Instead, its acidic nature is due to its enediol functional group. One of the hydroxyl groups attached to the double-bonded carbon atoms is highly acidic (pKa of 4.17) and can easily donate a proton (H⁺). This process forms a resonance-stabilised anion called ascorbate, making the parent molecule a weak acid.
6. How does the structure of Ascorbic Acid make it such an effective antioxidant?
The antioxidant power of Ascorbic Acid is directly linked to its enediol structure. This structure allows the molecule to readily donate electrons to neutralise damaging free radicals. When it donates an electron, it forms an 'ascorbyl radical', which is unusually stable due to resonance. This stability prevents it from becoming reactive and causing further damage, effectively halting oxidative chain reactions.
7. Why is Ascorbic Acid an essential nutrient for humans but not for many other animals?
Humans, unlike most other animals, cannot synthesise their own Ascorbic Acid. This is due to a genetic mutation that resulted in the loss of a functional gene for the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO). This enzyme catalyses the final step in the conversion of glucose to Ascorbic Acid. Because our bodies cannot produce it, we must obtain it from our diet, making it an essential vitamin for human survival.
8. How does Ascorbic Acid (a water-soluble vitamin) differ from a fat-soluble vitamin like Vitamin D?
The primary difference lies in their solubility, which dictates how they are absorbed, transported, and stored in the body.
- Solubility and Absorption: Ascorbic Acid is water-soluble and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and requires dietary fats and bile for absorption.
- Storage and Excretion: The body does not store excess Ascorbic Acid; it is excreted in urine, requiring constant dietary replenishment. In contrast, Vitamin D is stored in the liver and fatty tissues, meaning it can accumulate and potentially reach toxic levels if taken in very large doses.
