Why Does Ascorbic Acid Concentration Change Over Time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the reasons for changes in the concentration of ascorbic acid over time, exploring various conditions and contexts such as solid forms and solutions. It touches on decomposition and oxidation processes affecting ascorbic acid in different environments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the conditions under which ascorbic acid concentration changes, seeking clarification on timeframes and contexts.
  • Another participant suggests that in solid form, ascorbic acid concentration does not significantly change over long periods, while in a solution, concentration may increase due to evaporation of water.
  • A different viewpoint proposes that ascorbic acid decomposes over time, leading to a decrease in concentration in both solid and liquid forms, with specific mention of oxidation in fruit juice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the factors affecting ascorbic acid concentration, with no consensus reached on the primary mechanisms or conditions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not specified the exact conditions or timeframes for the changes in concentration, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

Amili
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Why does ascorbic acid change in concentration over time?
 
Last edited:
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Can you give a little more detail? Under what conditions? How much time? Where did you hear this?
 
yup need more detail. If you are talking about a pill (though why you would be taking asorbic acid I don't know) the answer would be not much over long periods. In a solution (dissolved in water) it would get more concentrated as the water evaporates. Otherwise need more detail..
 
I'd surmise that this relates to ascorbic acid decomposing with time. The bottle of reagent powder then contains a mix of undecomposed ascorbic acid plus the solid products of decomposition. So you could say the grams of acid per teaspoonful of the powder falls with time.

In fruit juice, the ascorbic acid content oxidises, so this mechanism likewise decreases the ascorbic acid concentration with time.
 

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