The key difference between ascorbate and ascorbic acid is that ascorbic acid is an organic compound. Meanwhile, ascorbate is the anion formed from ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic acid is widely known as vitamin C. It naturally occurs in many food products such as fruits and vegetables, and it is also used as a food additive. The term ascorbate refers to the anion of ascorbic acid which forms when one hydrogen atom is removed as a hydrogen ion. Moreover, we can name the compounds containing this anion collectively as ascorbates.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Ascorbate
3. What is Ascorbic Acid
4. Side by Side Comparison – Ascorbate vs Ascorbic Acid in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Ascorbate?
Ascorbate is the anion of ascorbic acid which forms from the removal of a hydrogen ion from one of the –OH groups present in ascorbic acid. Therefore, it is the conjugate base of ascorbic acid. Moreover, the L-isomer of ascorbic acid is more abundant than the D-isomer; hence, the ascorbate we find is mostly L-ascorbate. The chemical formula of ascorbate anion is C6H7O6–. The formation of ascorbate anion from ascorbic acid molecule involves selective deprotonation of the 3-hydroxyl group.
Figure 01: Sodium Ascorbate Structure
There are several different applications of ascorbate; it is required for many different metabolic reactions in animals, important as a human metabolite, important as a cofactor and is also useful as a water-soluble vitamin.
What is Ascorbic Acid?
Ascorbic acid is the organic compound we know commonly as vitamin C. This vitamin is present in many food sources, and it is sold as a dietary supplement as well. The chemical formula of the compound is C6H8O6. It is a neutral compound (no negative or positive charge). Also, the molar mass of the compound is 176 g/mol.
Furthermore, vitamin C is an essential nutrient in our body. It helps in repairing tissues and in the production of some neurotransmitters. Moreover, our immune system requires this compound for its accurate function. In addition to these, ascorbic acid is also a known antioxidant.
Figure 02: Ascorbic Acid
However, deficiency of vitamin C can cause a disease named scurvy; without the required presence of ascorbic acid in our body, the collagen becomes unstable, and some enzymatic reactions cannot be performed in the absence of ascorbic acid. Furthermore, there is a negligible chance of getting acute toxicity due to overdose of ascorbic acid. This is because most of the ascorbic acid is excreted through urine. However, a higher dose taken on an empty stomach can cause indigestion.
What is the Difference Between Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid?
Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C. It is a common component in many food products. Ascorbate is the anion formed from ascorbic acid. Therefore, ascorbate is the conjugate base of ascorbic acid. The key difference between ascorbate and ascorbic acid is that ascorbic acid is an organic compound. Meanwhile, ascorbate is the anion formed from ascorbic acid. Moreover, the chemical formula of ascorbate is C6H7O6– while the chemical formula of ascorbic acid is C6H8O6. Besides, the ascorbate anion is formed from selective deprotonation of the 3-hydroxyl group of the ascorbic acid molecule.
There are several different applications of ascorbate; it is required for many different metabolic reactions in animals, important as a human metabolite, important as a cofactor and is useful as a water-soluble vitamin. When considering vitamin C or ascorbic acid, there is a wide range of applications including repairing tissues and in the production of some neurotransmitters. Moreover, our immune system requires this compound for its accurate function. In addition to these, ascorbic acid is a well-known antioxidant.
Below tabulation is a summary of the difference between ascorbate and ascorbic acid.
Summary – Ascorbate vs Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C. It is a common component in many foods. Ascorbate is the anion formed from ascorbic acid. Therefore, ascorbate is the conjugate base of ascorbic acid. The key difference between ascorbate and ascorbic acid is that ascorbic acid is an organic compound, whereas ascorbate is the anion formed from ascorbic acid.
Reference:
1. Helmenstine, Anne Marie. “Vitamin C Determination by Iodine Titration.” ThoughtCo, Sep. 18, 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Sodium ascorbate” By Edgar181 (talk) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “L-Ascorbic acid” By Yikrazuul – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia