ASCORBIC ACID
Prepared at the 17th JECFA (1973), published in FNP 4 (1978) and in FNP 52(1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 61st JECFA (2003). A group ADI ‘not specified’ was established for ascorbic acid and its Ca, K and Na salts at the 25th JECFA (1981).
SYNONYMS Vitamin C; INS No. 300
DEFINITION
Chemical names L-Ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, 2,3-didehydro-L-threo-hexono-1,4-lactone, 3-keto-L-gulofuranolactone
C.A.S. number 50-81-7
Chemical formula C6H8O6
Formula weight 176.13
Assay Not less than 99% on the dried basis
DESCRIPTION White to slightly yellow, odourless crystalline powder; melting point about 190owith decomposition
FUNCTIONAL USES Antioxidant
