Ascorbic acid molar mass
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding the Molar Mass of Ascorbic Acid
Introduction to Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a vital nutrient in the human diet, playing a crucial role in various physiological functions, including the synthesis of collagen, the absorption of iron, and the maintenance of the immune system. It is also a potent antioxidant, protecting the body against oxidative stress.
Molar Mass of Ascorbic Acid
The molar mass of a compound is the mass of one mole of that substance. For ascorbic acid (C₆H₈O₆), the molar mass can be calculated by summing the atomic masses of all the atoms in its molecular formula. The atomic masses are approximately 12.01 g/mol for carbon (C), 1.01 g/mol for hydrogen (H), and 16.00 g/mol for oxygen (O). Therefore, the molar mass of ascorbic acid is:
[ \text{Molar mass of C₆H₈O₆} = (6 \times 12.01) + (8 \times 1.01) + (6 \times 16.00) ] [ = 72.06 + 8.08 + 96.00 ] [ = 176.14 \text{ g/mol} ]
Solvation Behavior and Molar Volume
Research has shown that the solvation behavior of ascorbic acid in aqueous solutions can be characterized by measuring the apparent molar volumes of various solutes in these solutions. For instance, studies have determined the apparent molar volumes for monosaccharides, disaccharides, derivatives, and polyols in different concentrations of aqueous ascorbic acid solutions at various temperatures . These measurements help in understanding the interactions between ascorbic acid and other solutes, which is crucial for applications in taste chemoreception and protein stabilization.
Genetic Influence on Circulating Ascorbic Acid
Genetic variations can significantly influence the circulating concentrations of ascorbic acid in the human body. A notable study identified a genetic variant (rs33972313) in the SLC23A1 gene, which is associated with the active transport of vitamin C. This variant was found to reduce the circulating concentrations of ascorbic acid, with each additional rare allele leading to a decrease of approximately 5.98 micromol/L . This finding is important for understanding individual differences in vitamin C metabolism and its implications for health outcomes.
Conclusion
The molar mass of ascorbic acid is 176.14 g/mol, a fundamental property that aids in various scientific and nutritional applications. Understanding the solvation behavior of ascorbic acid in aqueous solutions and the genetic factors influencing its circulating levels provides deeper insights into its role in human health and disease prevention. These studies underscore the importance of ascorbic acid in both biochemical research and clinical nutrition.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic