Vitamin c molecular formula
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Vitamin C Molecular Formula: An Overview
Introduction to Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is commonly found in a white or slightly yellow crystalline or powder form and has a slightly acidic taste. This vitamin is essential for preventing scurvy, a disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency .
Chemical Properties and Stability
Molecular Formula and Weight
The molecular formula of vitamin C is C6H8O6, and it has a molecular weight of 176.13 g/mol . This formula indicates that each molecule of vitamin C consists of six carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and six oxygen atoms.
Solubility and Stability
Vitamin C is freely soluble in water, making it easy to incorporate into aqueous solutions. However, it is only sparingly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in chloroform, ether, and benzene . In its dry state, vitamin C is relatively stable when exposed to air, but it rapidly oxidizes when in solution, especially upon exposure to light .
Industrial Production of Vitamin C
Historical Synthesis
The synthesis of ascorbic acid was first achieved by Reichstein in 1933, and industrial production began two years later by Roche . This marked a significant advancement in the availability of vitamin C, allowing for large-scale production.
Modern Production Methods
Today, vitamin C is produced on an industrial scale using raw materials such as corn or wheat. These materials are converted to glucose via starch by specialized companies, and then to sorbitol. The final pure product is obtained from sorbitol through a series of biotechnical, chemical processing, and purification steps .
Applications in Food and Quality Control
Detection in Food Products
A novel electroanalytical nanostructured sensor has been developed for the quantification of vitamin C in commercial and fortified cow-milk-based formulae and foods for infants and young children. This sensor, which uses disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide flakes, offers a low detection limit of 0.088 mg/L . The method is cost-effective, easy to prepare, and provides fast and reproducible results, making it suitable for quality control laboratories .
Conclusion
Vitamin C, with its molecular formula C6H8O6, is an essential nutrient with significant roles in human health. Its industrial production has evolved significantly since its initial synthesis, ensuring its widespread availability. Advanced detection methods continue to enhance the ability to monitor and ensure the quality of vitamin C in various food products, underscoring its importance in nutrition and food science.
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