L-Ascorbic acid
Synonyms
Ascorbic acid;
Vitamin C;
L-threo-Hex-2-enonic acid, gamma-lactone;
Category
Non-ionic surfactant
> Ester
>> Lactones
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 50-81-7
EINECS: 200-066-2
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C6H8O6
Molecular Weight: 176.12
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), white powder.
Solubility soluble in water. The aqueous solution is acidic.
Stability stable. Easily oxidized.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
643mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
518mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
3367mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intravenous LD50 |
> 4000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
11900mg/kg[1] |
|
rat subcutaneous LD50 |
> 10000mg/kg[1] |
Human Toxicity
Table 2 Human toxicity values
|
man intravenous TDLo |
2300mg/kg/2D[1] |
|
women intravenous LDLo |
900mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent anti-oxidizing, preservative abilities. Essential vitamin to human body.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 7303 Feed additive -- L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
(1b), GB 14754 Food additive -- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
(1c), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Vitamin C
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as antioxidant.
Use as preservative.
Use as UV absorbing agent.
2, Personal care products
Antioxidant, buffering agent, masking agent, conditioning agent in personal care products. Good whitening effect.
3, Food
Use as food additive (antioxidant, flour treatment agent), food nutrition enhancer.
4, Feed
Use as feed additive.
5, Medicine
Use as pharmaceutical ingredient (vitamins). (This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 50-81-7, Ascorbic acid
Update: 20141016(1); 20200412(2);