Ascorbic acid
L-ascorbic acid is the L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid and conjugate acid of L-ascorbate. It has a role as a geroprotector, a coenzyme, a cofactor, a flour treatment agent, a plant metabolite, a food antioxidant, a food colour retention agent and a skin lightening agent. It is a vitamin C and an ascorbic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a L-ascorbate. It is an enantiomer of a D-ascorbic acid.
IUPAC: (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxy-2H-furan-5-one
PubChem
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | 374 to 378 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.65 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| pH | Between 2,4 and 2,8 (2 % aqueous solution) |
| Appearance | L-ascorbic acid is a white to very pale yellow crystalline powder with a pleasant sharp acidic taste. Almost odorless. (NTP, 1992) |
Data: PubChem · Last updated: 4/20/2026
GHS Classification
No GHS classification data available.
Classification data is sourced from ECHA.
Regulatory Compliance
Listed
note: Status based on EPA TSCA Active Inventory · inventory name: TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory
View sourceGlobal Trade Intelligence
No trade flow data available for this chemical.
HS Code(s): 2936
Data: UN Comtrade
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