Electronic Spectroscopic Study of Stability of L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) in Aqueous Solutions of Salts (NaHCO3, NaCl, and KCl)

Abstract

Ascorbic acid commonly known as Vitamin C, is a water-soluble anti-oxidant that is essential for the growth, development, and repair of tissues. The stability of this molecule can be affected by several factors, including pH, temperature, and other factors. We aim to study the stability of ascorbic acid in presence of common food additive and ions such as Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO3- that are naturally present in human body via spectroscopic measurement. Physiological concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions has no influence on the stability. When ascorbic acid was added to a 0.175 MHCO3- aqueous solution, a strong peak was detected at 265.0 nm due to the presence of ascorbate anion. However, within 75 minutes, this peak disappeared completely, indicating significant decomposition. At a lower, physiological 0.035 M concentration of HCO3- , the peak persisted at 265.0 nm, and the rate of decomposition was slower. Our findings suggest that the elevated levels of HCO3- in serum plasma would rapidly decompose ascorbic acid, underscoring the importance of maintaining proper physiological balance in vivo.