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Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a chemical element which is necessary in the human body. It is soluble in water and has an acidic taste. The texture is powdered which white or slightly yellowish in colour that becomes dark when exposed to light. When ascorbic acid is in its dry state, it is stable in the presence of air, however it oxidises rapidly when mixed with a solution. The chemical formula of ascorbic acid is C6H8O6.
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Key words: Ascorbic acid, Uses, Chemical Formula, Properties, Vitamin C
Uses of Ascorbic Acid
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Ascorbic acid is one of the most important types of vitamin and is mainly used to treat and prevent vitamin C deficiency. Ascorbic acid is needed in our body to help maintain and function normally by helping in production of substances like collagen, adrenaline and dopamine. Following are some other uses of ascorbic acid:
- Health Benefits
- Personal Care
- Food and Beverage
- Agriculture and Animal Fodder
Health Benefits
Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant, and hence helps the body to recover from the damage done to the body due to exposure to radiation or inhaling tobacco smoke. It helps in repairing worn-out and damaged tissues.
Personal Care
Ascorbic acid is used as an antioxidant in cosmetics and personal care products including makeup. It is also found in other hair and skin products.
Food and Beverage
Ascorbic acid is usually used as preservatives, acidity regulators, colour fixatives, nutrition supplements in various food and beverage products.
Agriculture and Animal Fodder
Ascorbic acid is often offered as a nutritional supplement in agriculture or in animal and poultry food.
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| Important Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamins | Difference between Fat-soluble & Water Soluble Vitamins | Nutrients |
Properties of Ascorbic Acid
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Following are the properties of ascorbic acid:
- The chemical formula of ascorbic acid is C6H8O6.
- Ascorbic acid is commonly known as Vitamin C and ascorbate.
- The molecular mass of ascorbic acid is 176.12g/mol.
- The melting point of ascorbic acid is 190℃ and the boiling point is 553℃.
- The density of ascorbic is 1.694 g/cm³.
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| Important Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Micro & Macronutrients Difference | Enzymes | Saturated & Unsaturated Fats |
| Nucleotide & Nucleoside | Glycogen | Glucose and Fructose |
| Food Chemistry | Rancidity | Organic Compounds |
Things to Remember
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- Ascorbic acid is commonly known as Vitamin C.
- The chemical formula of ascorbic acid is C6H8O6v.
- Ascorbic acid helps in production of substances like collagen, adrenaline and dopamine in the human body.
- Ascorbic acid is also used due to its health benefits, personal care, in the food & beverage industry along with agriculture and animal fodder.
- Ascorbic acid is soluble in water.
Previous Year Questions
- Ascorbic acid is a…?
- Ascorbic acid is the chemical name of…?
- The vitamin C or ascorbic acid prevents…? (NEET 1995)
- Which vitamin cannot be stored in body…?
- Which of the following is not an inhibitory substance governing seed dormancy…? (NEET 2020)
- The chemical name of vitamin B1 is…? (JCECE 2010)
- The carboxyl functional group (-COOH) is present in…? (JEE Advanced 2012)
- Vitamin A is called…? (KEAM)
Sample Questions
Ques: What is the major benefit of ascorbic acid for the human body? (3 marks)
Ans: Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is necessary for development, repair and growth of body tissues. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the human body responsible for healing of injuries. It also helps in production of substances like collagen, adrenaline and dopamine.
Ques: Is ascorbic acid a water soluble or fat soluble vitamin? (2 marks)
Ans: Ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin that means it is easily soluble in water and are carried to the other tissues of the body but are not stored there. Due to their strong affinity in water, they easily travel through the bloodstream. Vitamin B also comes under the category of water soluble vitamins.
Ques: What is chemical formula and other name of ascorbic acid? (2 marks)
Ans: Ascorbic acid is commonly known as Vitamin C. The chemical formula of ascorbic acid is C6H8O6.
Ques: What are the daily uses of ascorbic acid? (4 marks)
Ans: Along with helping in healing of injuries and strengthening of tissues, ascorbic acid due to its antioxidant nature is used in the following ways in daily life:
- Health Benefits
- Personal Care
- Food and Beverage
- Agriculture and Animal Fodder
Ques: Can ascorbic acid increase the acid in the stomach? (2 marks)
Ans: Ascorbic acid has an acidic taste and if consumed on an empty stomach, it can cause various gastrointestinal side effects. Since the pH of vitamin C is very low, a neutralised ascorbic acid, also known as calcium ascorbate is used to reduce the epigastric effects in the body.
Ques: Why do people intake ascorbic acid? (2 marks)
Ans: The recommended amount of vitamin C for adults is 65 to 90 mg per day. People intake ascorbic acid to prevent and treat low levels of vitamin C in the body.
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