The effect of additives on the free radical formation in aqueous solutions of ascorbic acid
Kalus, W.H.; Filby, W.G.
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift für Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International de Vitaminologie et de Nutrition 47(3): 258-264
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9831 PMID: 21144 Document Number: 124198
The relative rate constants for the decay of ascorbate free radical in aqueous solutions in the presence of heavy metal ions, hydrogen peroxide and sulphite were measured the ESR-spectroscopy. The oxidation of ascorbic acid showed a strong pH dependence, reaching a maximum rate at pH 9.6. It was shown that the ascorbic acid radical decay generally follows overall second order kinetics, being however first order in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The protective effect of sulphur dioxide is proposed to have nutritional implications.