General Description
Minute crystals or white powder. pH of aqueous solutions 5.6 to 7.0 or even higher (a 10% solution, made from a commercial grade, may have a pH of 7.4 to 7.7).
Reactivity Profile
A weak base. Materials in this group are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of the bases in reactivity group 10 (Bases) and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble. Aqueous solutions are subject to quick air oxidation at pH greater than 6.0.
Health Hazard
SYMPTOMS: Ingestion of 10 grams or more of this type of compound may cause diarrhea.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for this chemical are not available. SODIUM ASCORBATE(134-03-2) is probably combustible.
Chemical Properties
Sodium ascorbate occurs as a white or slightly yellow-colored,
practically odorless, crystalline powder with a pleasant saline taste.
Chemical Properties
white to off-white solid
Definition
ChEBI: An organic sodium salt resulting from the replacement of the proton from the 3-hydroxy group of ascorbic acid by a sodium ion.
Production Methods
An equivalent amount of sodium bicarbonate is added to a solution
of ascorbic acid in water. Following the cessation of effervescence,
the addition of propan-2-ol precipitates sodium ascorbate.
Brand name
Ascorbin (Marion Merrell Dow).
Flammability and Explosibility
Notclassified
Pharmaceutical Applications
Sodium ascorbate is used as an antioxidant in pharmaceutical
formulations, and also in food products where it increases the
effectiveness of sodium nitrite against growth of Listeria monocytogenes
in cooked meats. It improves gel cohesiveness and sensory
firmness of fiberized products regardless of vacuum treatment.
It is also used therapeutically as a source of vitamin C in tablets
and parenteral preparations.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Ascorbic acid exhibits anti-oxidant properties. It is a primary substrate for detoxifying hydrogen peroxide. Ascorbic acid is a co-factor for the synthesis of adrenal steroids and catecholamines. L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is a water soluble molecule used in a wide variety of applications, including cell culture, as a reducing agent that helps reduce oxidative stress. L-Ascorbate can be regenerated by biological systems.
Safety
The parenteral administration of 0.25-1.00 g of sodium ascorbate,
given daily in divided doses, is recommended in the treatment of
vitamin C deficiencies. Various adverse reactions have been
reported following the administration of 1 g or more of sodium
ascorbate, although ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate are usually
well tolerated; see Ascorbic acid. There have been no reports of
adverse effects associated with the much lower concentrations of
sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid, which are employed as
antioxidants.
The WHO has set an acceptable daily intake of ascorbic acid,
potassium ascorbate, and sodium ascorbate, as antioxidants in
food, at up to 15 mg/kg body-weight in addition to that naturally
present in food.
storage
Sodium ascorbate is relatively stable in air, although it gradually
darkens on exposure to light. Aqueous solutions are unstable and
subject to rapid oxidation in air at pH > 6.0.
The bulk material should be stored in a well-closed nonmetallic
container, protected from light, in a cool, dry place.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizing agents, heavy metal ions, especially
copper and iron, methenamine, sodium nitrite, sodium salicylate,
and theobromine salicylate. The aqueous solution is reported to be
incompatible with stainless steel filters.
Regulatory Status
GRAS listed. Accepted for use as a food additive in Europe.
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (IV preparations;
oral tablets). Included in nonparenteral and parenteral
medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of
Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
