PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

H.S. CODE

TOXICITY

CLASSIFICATION

VITAMINS /

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASCORBIC ACID

ASCORBIC ACID (also called VITAMIN C ) is a carbohydrate-like substance involved in the metabolic functions including synthesis of collagen, maintenance of the structural strength of the blood vessels, metabolism of certain amino acids, and the synthesis or release of hormones in the adrenal glands. It occurs as a white or slightly yellow crystal or powder with a slight acidic taste. Traditional synthesis of ascorbic acid is through the Reichstein process which requires bioconversion of sorbitol followed by a seven-step chemical process. Newly developted fermentation technology is used to reduce production costs of the key ascorbic intermediate, ketogulonic acid. Vitamin C has a very simple structure. Chemically, it is ketothreohexuronic acid. It is an antiscorbutic product. On exposure to air and light it gradually darkens. Ascorbic Acid is freely soluble in water; sparingly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in chloroform, ether, and benzene.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

White or Almost White Crystalline Powder

AUTOIGNITION

NFPA RATINGS

REFRACTIVE INDEX

APPLICATIONS

Vitamin C Supplements, Multi-vitamin Preparations, Food Additives, Beverages, Animal Feed

BIBLIOGRAPHY

USP

APPEARANCE

White or Almost White Crystalline Powder

ASSAY

99.0% ~ 100.5%

OPTICAL ROTATION

+ 103° ~ +108°

pH (5% SOLUTION)

7 - 8

SOLUBILITY

62 (gm/100ml)

LOSS ON DRYING

0.25% max

COPPER

5ppm max

IRON

2ppm max

ARSENIC

3ppm max

HEAVY METALS (as Pb)

20ppm max