Click a thumbnail picture below to view a larger version.

View Movie

Narrative
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.