Physical Properties of Sodium Ascorbate

Sodium ascorbate is a chemical compound often used as a vitamin C nutritional supplement. Because sodium ascorbate provides 111mg of sodium for every 889mg of ascorbic acid---vitamin C---it's not recommended for people on a low-sodium diet. The ascorbate is less acidic than pure vitamin C, so it's sometimes recommended for people who have stomach problems taking ascorbic acid supplements.

Chemistry

• One molecule of sodium ascorbate contains six carbon atoms, seven hydrogen atoms, one sodium atom and six oxygen atoms. It melts at a temperature of 218 degrees C, and won't dissolve in water or alcohol.

Appearance

• Sodium ascorbate is a white, or near-white, crystalline powder, closer in hardness to sugar than table salt.

Acidity

• The sodium in sodium ascorbate buffers the acidity of the vitamin C; ascorbic acid has a pH between 2 and 3, and ascorbate lies between 7 and 8. Because of the buffering, the taste of sodium ascorbate is very bland.