Ascorbic Acid

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Ascorbic Acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin and potent antioxidant essential for collagen synthesis, immune function, and protection against oxidative stress. It is widely used as a nutritional supplement, food preservative, and additive to enhance shelf life and nutritional value. Naturally present in citrus fruits and various vegetables, ascorbic acid is also important in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and animal feed industries due to its health benefits and preservative qualities.

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Categories: Acidulants, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Antioxidants, Antioxidants(cosmetic), COSMETIC AND PERSONAL CARE CHEMICALS, FOOD AND BEVERAGE CHEMICALS, Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical), Nutrient Supplements, PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMICALS Tags: Antioxidant Vitamin, Cosmetic antioxidant, Dietary Supplement, Food additive, L-ascorbic acid, Nutraceutical Ingredient, Pharmaceutical Raw Material, Vitamin C

Description

Table of Contents Toggle
- Uses
Uses

Primary Uses

Food & Beverages
- Acts as an antioxidant to preserve color, flavor, and nutritional quality in juices, soft drinks, canned fruits, and vegetables.
- Added to vitamin-fortified foods and beverages to enhance nutritional value.
- Used as a pH regulator and acidity controller in various processed foods.
Pharmaceuticals & Nutritional Supplements
- Used in tablets, capsules, powders, and injectable forms to prevent and treat Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy).
- Included in multivitamin preparations and immune-boosting supplements.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Incorporated for its antioxidant properties in skincare products to reduce aging signs and protect skin from UV damage.
- Used in formulations for brightening and collagen-boosting effects.
Animal Feed
- Added to livestock and poultry feed to improve immunity, growth performance, and overall health.

Secondary Uses

Food Packaging
- Used in active packaging systems to scavenge oxygen and extend product shelf life.
Industrial Applications
- Acts as a reducing agent in chemical syntheses and certain metallurgical processes.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): (5R)-5-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one
Common/Trade Names: Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid
CAS Number: 50-81-7
HS Code: 2936.29.00
Molecular Formula: C₆H₈O₆
Synonyms:
- L-Ascorbate
- L-Threo-Hex-2-Enono-1,4-Lactone
- E300 (EU food additive code)

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: White to slightly yellow crystalline powder
Color & Odor: White or slightly yellow, odorless
Melting Point: 190–192°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: N/A (decomposes before boiling)
Density: ~1.65 g/cm³
Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~330 g/L at 20°C), slightly soluble in ethanol
pH Level: Acidic (~2.5 in 1% aqueous solution)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Flash Point: Not applicable (non-flammable)
Autoignition Temperature: N/A

Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous; Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)
NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0
Exposure Limits: No OSHA/ACGIH established limits; low toxicity
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; incompatible with strong oxidizers

Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat and light
Container Type: Airtight, moisture-proof containers (e.g., HDPE, glass)
Shelf Life: 2–3 years under proper storage
Special Handling: Avoid moisture, air, and sunlight exposure; use gloves and dust masks when handling powder

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

FDA (USA): Approved food additive and supplement (21 CFR 172.380)
EFSA (EU): Approved as food additive (E300)
JECFA: Considered safe within recommended dietary limits
Hazard Symbols (GHS): None
Transportation Restrictions: Not hazardous
Waste Disposal: Follow local regulations; non-hazardous

Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Low aquatic toxicity
Persistence: Biodegradable
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Wear gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks when handling powder.
Work in well-ventilated areas to minimize dust inhalation.
Store sealed and protected from moisture, heat, and oxidizers.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid eating or drinking during use.
Use local exhaust ventilation or dust collection systems to control airborne particles.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty occurs.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes; consult a doctor if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; seek medical help if large amounts ingested.

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; may decompose releasing irritant gases at high temperatures.
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder.
Special Precautions: Firefighters should use protective gear and breathing apparatus.