Cambodia

Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is used as a food additives mostly to combat oxidation and is also used majorly in dietary supplements. It also finds major use as a dietary supplement as it is a form of Vitamin C which is an essential dietary component. It cures scurvy and increases resistance to infection.

Synonyms
L-Ascorbic acid, E 300, Antiscorbutic factor, Vitamin C
Chemical Formula
C6H8O6
CAS Number
50-81-7

Characteristics

Molar Weight
176.124g/mol
Density
1.694 g/cc
Forms
Powder, White, Yellow, Crystalline

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Food additive
  • Cleaning products
  • Preservative
  • pH control
  • Cosmetic products
  • Dietary supplements

Ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid is also known by the common name vitamin C. The substance occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables. It is vital for almost all species. For humans, apes and some other animals, it can only be obtained through food intake. Most other living organisms synthesise vitamin C themselves.

Properties of ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid is a colourless and odourless crystalline solid with an acidic taste. It dissolves well in water, but is insoluble in diethyl ether, petrol or fat. It is an organic acid, the salts are called ascorbates. Ascorbic acid is available in four different stereoisomeric forms.
As ascorbic acid is easily oxidised, it has an antioxidant effect. Its reducing and oxidising effects are important properties in biological systems, but this is accompanied by a high sensitivity to light, heat and oxygen. This means that vitamin C decomposes quickly; a certain proportion of ascorbic acid is oxidised during the storage and preparation of food - for example through cooking. Depending on the type and duration of storage and preparation, vitamin C losses of up to 100 per cent are possible. Vegetables and fruit contain the highest vitamin C content in fresh, raw form.
Ascorbic acid is produced in the chemical industry from D-glucose. For large-scale synthesis, crystalline ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate (E 301), calcium ascorbate (E 302) and ascorbyl monophosphate are produced in chemical factories from the starting substance D-glucose via sorbitol (Reichstein synthesis).
Vitamin C produced with genetically modified microorganisms, GMO ascorbic acid (genetically modified organism), is cheaper and therefore the most commonly produced ascorbic acid worldwide.
Medicin with different colors

Ascorbic acid in the pharmaceutical industry

Ascorbic acid is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a dietary supplement for vitamin C deficiency and to improve general health and immune defence.
Of course, it is also the drug of choice for the vitamin C deficiency disease scurvy. A lack of ascorbic acid leads to collagen instability. As collagen is found in practically all organs and tissues of the human (and animal) organism, especially in connective tissue, scurvy leads to death if left untreated. As an important substance for collagen formation, vitamin C promotes wound healing. It is therefore often used in creams, ointments and gels as well as in oral supplements to support the healing of skin wounds and injuries.
Ascorbic acid is often combined with iron supplements to increase the effectiveness of iron absorption. It is also used in combination with other antioxidants in supplements to support eye health and prevent age-related macular degeneration.
The acid is also used as an excipient in various pharmaceutical formulations to improve the stability and effectiveness of medicines. It can cta s a preservative and prevent the oxidation of other active ingredients.

Ascorbic acid in the food industry

Ascorbic acid is mainly used in the food industry as an antioxidant under the name E 300. Ascorbic acid derivatives, sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate and ascorbyl stearate are also used to preserve foods, among other things. They also prevent oxidative brown discolouration during food storage. They act as colour and aroma stabilisers by preventing non-enzymatic oxidation phenomena in fruit and vegetable products, drinks, wine and beer. The substances also stabilise the curing colour of meat products.
Ascorbic acid can be added to naturally cloudy apple juice during production to lighten its colour. The acid reduces the quinones present in natural juice, which are produced during pressing by oxidation of phenols with atmospheric oxygen and the enzyme polyphenol oxidase and cause a brown colour.
Ascorbyl palmitate (E 304a) is used to prevent the auto-oxidation of fats, thus preventing them from becoming rancid. In flour, ascorbic acid ensures a higher gas retention capacity and therefore more volume in the dough made from it.

Ascorbic acid in the cosmetics industry

As a powerful antioxidant, ascorbic acid is used in the cosmetics industry in anti-ageing products to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are caused by UV radiation, environmental pollution and other external stress factors and can lead to premature skin ageing.
The acid also plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is an essential protein that gives the skin structure and firmness. By promoting collagen production, ascorbic acid can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It is also used in moisturisers to improve the skin's moisture retention, resulting in smoother and softer skin.
Vitamin C reduces hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone: It is used in special products to inhibit the production ft he pigment melanin. The substance also has an anti-inflammatory effect and soothes irritated skin, for example in the case of acne or rosacea.
Testing detergents at the Brenntag Innovation & Application lab

Ascorbic acid in the detergent industry

In the cleaning industry, ascorbic acid is mainly used in stain removers to remove rust stains. Ascorbic acid reacts with iron ions and reduces them, allowing rust stains to be removed from surfaces and fabrics.
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, ascorbic acid is also used as an ingredient in disinfectant cleaning agents. Ascorbic acid is also used as an acidifier to lower the pH value of cleaning products. A lower pH value enables the removal of limescale deposits in kitchens and bathrooms.
Ascorbic acid also reduces the odour of chlorine and is therefore particularly useful in cleaning products used in chlorinated environments such as swimming pools.

Other areas of application for ascorbic acid

  • In agriculture, ascorbic acid is used in animal feed - it is also beneficial to the health of farm animals.
  • Due to its reducing properties, ascorbic acid is occasionally used as a developing agent in photography.