Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
C6H8O6 + NaOH → NaC6H7O6 + H2O
Overview
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium ascorbate and water. Despite its name, ascorbic acid is a moderately weak acid (pKa = 4.17) due to the enediol structure that stabilizes the conjugate base through resonance. Sodium ascorbate is better tolerated by the stomach than ascorbic acid.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Ascorbic Acid C₆H₈O₆ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
Everyday Example
Sodium ascorbate supplements are marketed as buffered vitamin C for people who experience stomach upset from regular ascorbic acid tablets.
Industrial Importance
Sodium ascorbate is used as a food antioxidant (E301), in meat curing to accelerate color development, and in photography as a developing agent.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -53.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water
Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base)
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl
Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Benzoic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: C₆H₈O₆ + NaOH → NaC₆H₇O₆ + H₂O.
What type of reaction is Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is a acid-base reaction.
Is Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -53.0 kJ/mol.