Ascorbic acid

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File:L-Ascorbic acid.svg
The structure of ascorbic acid.

Ascorbic acid is a naturally-occurring organic compound more routinely known as vitamin C. It is found naturally in many fruits and is a well-known antioxidant. It can be easily purchased in tablet or powder form in groceries or pharmacies. In the field of chemistry, it is used as a reducing agent, such as in the precipitation of elemental copper from a solution of copper(II) ions, as well as a means of introducing the ascorbate ion.

Properties

Chemical

Ascorbic acid can be used to reduce silver nitrate to metallic silver.

Physical

Ascorbic acid is a white to light yellow solid, soluble in water, with a sour taste. It is soluble in water, less so in alcohols, glycerol, propylene glycol, and insoluble in benzene, chloroform, diethyl ether, petroleum ether, as well as fats and oils.

Availability

Ascorbic acid is sold in pharmacies.

Preparation

Ascorbic acid can be extracted from fruits.

Projects

  • Reduce various metals compounds to their respective metals

Handling

Safety

Ascorbic acid is vital to the organism. Lack of ascorbic acid leads to scurvy.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

Ascorbic acid can be safely poured down the drain, dumped in soil or burned.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads