Isoascorbic acid

Isoascorbic acid

Isoascorbic acid, also known as Erythorbic acid, is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C. It is a chemical compound that is used primarily as an antioxidant in food and therapeutic supplements.

Chemistry

Isoascorbic acid is a stereoisomer of ascorbic acid. This means that it has the same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms as ascorbic acid, but a different three-dimensional orientation of their atoms in space. It is a chiral molecule, meaning it has a non-superimposable mirror image.

Uses

Isoascorbic acid is used primarily as an antioxidant in the food industry. It helps to prevent the oxidation of food, which can lead to a loss of color, flavor, and nutritional value. It is also used in therapeutic supplements as a source of Vitamin C.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified isoascorbic acid as a food additive that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, it is not recognized as a vitamin and does not have the same biological activity as ascorbic acid.

See also

• Ascorbic acid
• Antioxidant
• Food additive

Food additives