Hydrochloric Acid → L-Ascorbic Acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

The reaction of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid with 36% hydrochloric acid is described, for example, in DE 29 39 052. After reaction at 100° C. and after removal of the hydrochloric acid by distillation, a yield of 87% of theory of L-ascorbic acid is obtained. The disadvantage of the process, however, is the rapid decomposition of the ascorbic acid at 100° C., so that an increased formation of by-products and an intense black coloration of the solution occurs. On account of the large amount of by-products, isolation of the ascorbic acid is associated with further, not inconsiderable losses of material.

Provenance & Evidence