Oxidation of Ascorbic Acid

CCA! Volume 5

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Oxidation of Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is immediately oxidized by hexacyanoferrate(III) ion.


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Voiceover
A solution of potassium ferricyanide is added to water and to a 1% aqueous solution of ascorbic acid. The ascorbic acid is immediately oxidized producing a colorless solution.

Discussion
The solution of K₃Fe(CN)₆ is added to water as a control. This reaction demonstrates the facile oxidation of ascorbic acid, a natural antioxidant. Ascorbic acid is an example of a stable enol tautomer of a ketone.

Citation:
	Martins, L. J. A.; da Costa, J. B.	J. Chem. Educ. 1988, 65, pp 176-178.

Design, Text and Demonstrator:
	Gary Trammell	University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL 62794

Videographer/Editor:
	Steve Dykema	University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL 62794

Voice:
	Margaret Biddle	University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706

Audio Production:
	Greg Minix	University of Wisconsin - Madison, College of Engineering, Madison, WI 53706
	Jerrold J. Jacobsen	University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706