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Ascorbic Acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O6
CAS number
50-81-7
IUPAC name
5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-one
State
State

At room temperature, ascorbic acid exists in a solid crystalline state. It is highly soluble in water and moderately soluble in alcohol. The structure comprises a lactone ring with two enediol groups, contributing to its water solubility and antioxidant properties.

Melting point (Celsius)
190.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
463.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
190.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
463.15
General information
Molecular weight
176.13g/mol
Molar mass
176.1250g/mol
Density
1.6500g/cm3
Appearence

Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, typically appears as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder. It is soluble in water, leading to colorless solutions. However, sometimes it may appear as slightly yellowish when oxidized. The powder is stable if protected from moisture, air, and light, though it can gradually darken over a prolonged period.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-one (C6H8O6)

The compound 5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-one exhibits intriguing solubility characteristics due to its multi-hydroxyl structure. The presence of multiple hydroxyl groups enhances its capacity to interact with water molecules, often leading to increased solubility in aqueous solutions. Here are some key points to consider about its solubility:

  • Hydrophilicity: The numerous hydroxyl (–OH) groups contribute significantly to the hydrophilic nature of the compound, promoting solubility in polar solvents.
  • Temperature Dependency: Solubility may increase with temperature, as increased kinetic energy can aid dissolution.
  • pH Sensitivity: The solubility could also be influenced by the pH of the solution, as changes in protonation state can affect interactions with water.
  • Comparison with Similar Compounds: Its solubility profile may be quite distinct when juxtaposed with related compounds that lack such hydroxyl substituents.

In summary, the solubility of C6H8O6 can generally be classified as high in polar solvents, a characteristic that underscores its potential applications in various chemical processes and formulations. As the saying goes, "Like dissolves like," and this compound exemplifies that principle with its structure promoting effective interactions with water.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 5-(1,2-Dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-one

The compound 5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-one is a fascinating member of the class of organic compounds known as polyols. Here are some interesting insights regarding this intriguing molecule:

  • Natural Occurrence: This compound is often derived from natural sources, particularly as a product of specific metabolic pathways in plants and fungi.
  • Functional Groups: It contains multiple hydroxyl groups (-OH) which contribute to its chemical reactivity and ability to form hydrogen bonds. This makes it soluble in water and gives it properties that are of interest in biological systems.
  • Biological Significance: Compounds with similar structures are often involved in important biological processes. They may play roles in signaling pathways or serve as precursors to valuable biomolecules.
  • Potential Applications: Due to its structure, this compound may have applications in pharmacology or cosmetic formulations, particularly for its moisturizing properties. As a polyol, it can also serve as a sweetener or humectant.
  • Synthetic Challenges: The synthesis of such compounds can involve complex organic reactions, requiring the careful manipulation of functional groups to achieve the desired structures.
  • Analytical Techniques: The analysis of this compound can be accomplished using various methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), which help elucidate the specific arrangement of atoms within the molecule.

Overall, the study of 5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydrofuran-2-one highlights the intersection of organic chemistry with natural products and their potential applications, making it an interesting subject for further exploration!

Synonyms
d-talono-1,4-lactone
5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-one
23666-11-7
D-Allonic acid gamma-lactone
10238-03-6
.gamma.-D-Galactonolactone
Gulono-1,4-lactone
.gamma.-Lactone of mannonic acid
D-Mannonic acid, .gamma.-lactone
D-mannonic acid-1,4-lactone
1,4-D-Gulonolactone
D-Allono-1,4-lactone
D-Talonic Acid ?-Lactone;
C6H10O6
D-Galactonic acid, .gamma.-lactone
29474-78-0
Gulonic acid-1,4-lactone
D-Gulonic acid-1,4-lactone
D-Idonic acid, gamma-lactone
NSC-1971
MFCD00066466
5-(1,2-Dihydroxy-ethyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-dihydro-furan-2-one
5-(1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxydihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (non-preferred name)
Mannonic acid, D-
g-D-Galactonolactone
Galactonic acid, D-
glucono-1,4-lactone
1,4-D-Mannonolactone
D-Galactono-.gamma.-lactone
CHEBI:5571
SCHEMBL1893475
L-Galactono gamma-lactone, XXII
NSC1971
D-Mannono-(1.fwdarw.4)-lactone
BCP17475
BCP33528
NSC25282
NSC34392
BBL033927
BDBM50070030
MFCD00080784
NSC-34392
NSC102762
STL372824
AKOS015856415
NSC-102762
SY066747
SY073467
SY074287
SY273558
VS-12344
DB-041122
DB-045913
DB-046923
DB-054435
NS00013681
EN300-187579
gamma-D-galactonolactone;1,4-D-Galactonolactone
Q27106810
E40CCFF6-5987-45B5-B197-E4B919B073CB
D-Gluconic acid-g-lactone pound>>Gluconic acid-1,4-lactone pound>>D-Gluconic acid, gamma-lactone