Vitamin+C

 = = = = = = =**__Basic Information __**= = = //Molecular Formula//: C6H8O6 //Alternate names//: L-3-Ketothreohexuronic
 * Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) ** // By: Morgan //

//Molar Mass//: 176.12 g/mol //Density (in natural state)//: 1.65g/cm3 //Melting Point//: 190 - 192 degrees C //Boiling Point//: Not Applicable //Solubility in water//: 33g/100mL

=Historical Background/Discovery = = = James Lind, a Scottish Naval surgeon, discovered Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) after a four year sea voyage. During the sea voyage, more than 1,000 sailors died from an infamous disease called scurvy. (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/985573-overview) Due to the dramatic death toll, Lind decided to investigate the disease. After an intense investigation, he concluded that the disease was most common to people with a very limited diet. He later discovered that a dramatic cure for scurvy was a diet with citrus fruit.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) actually means "anti-scurvy" acid!

= Where is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) found? = = = Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is found in a variety of different foods. (http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/vitamin.html) It can also be found in certain animals but must be obtained from an outside source due to the fact that they can't synthesize their own Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) can be obtained by using glucose. There is a two-step fermentation process used in China that was developed in the 1960's. The fermentation process uses the following chemical process: Glucose > Sorbitol + fermentation > Sorbose + fermentation > Keto-Gluconic acid > ascorbic acid. Red Berries Kiwi Green Bell Peppers Tomatoes Broccoli Spinach Juices -made from Guava, Grape Fruit and Orange
 * The foods in which Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is most abundant are:**

= = Percent Composition by mass Percent of C - 40.91% Percent of H - 4.58 % Percent of O - 54.51 %
 * Structure Explanation **

Percent Composition by number Percent of C - 30% Percent of H - 40% Percent of O - 30%

Type of Bonding: Covalent Bonds (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:covalent+bond&ei=W8gKS8-5CIfOlAeHzJyFBA&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title&ved=0CAcQkAE)

= = Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is sensitive to heat and light activity. It will oxidize readily by reacting with the oxygen found in the atmosphere.
 * Chemical Properties **

= = Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is a very critical component needed in the human diet. When intake of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is below the necessary amount, anemia, muscle and joint pain, infections, and sore gums can occur. Also, it is the human body's primary water-soluble antioxidant. (http://www.antioxidant-supplement.info/antioxidant-definition.php) Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) aids in the making of collagen. Collagen plays a large role in bones, blood vessels, joints, teeth and gums, and all the connective tissues found in the human body. Theories have been confirmed that Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) can cure any illness from the common cold to cancer. It is capable of curing these illnesses by stimulating the immune system and fighting off free radicals. It has also been proven that Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) can heal broken bones and lower high blood pressure.
 * Uses/Importance **

__Just a reminder:__ //Teen males//- You should take in 75mg **a day** of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) //Teen females//- You should take in about 65mg **a day** of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

References:

** Information Resources **

RedJohn33. "How is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) manufactured?". Answerbag. 31 December. 2008. 15 November. 2009. ____

"Vitamin C". Wikipedia. 19 November. 2009. 16 November. 2009. ____ "Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid". LifeClinic//. 16 November. 2009. ____//

"Basic Information on Vitamin C: How Much is Enough?". The Vitamin and Supplement Guide. 16 November. 2009. 

"Defintions of Covalent Bonds" Google Search. 16 November. 2009. <http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:covalent+bond&ei=W8gKS8-5CIfOlAeHzJyFBA&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title&ved=0CAcQkAE>

__ **Image Resources** __

"Ascorbic Acid". Wikimedia Commons. 25 April. 2009. 16 November. 2009. __<http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/Ascorbic_acid_structure.png&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ascorbic_acid_structure.png&usg=__sZUreMFNi4MrNH06ALTS-7sTjxg=&h=600&w=621&sz=14&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=2WcjDBpbwXYgRM:&tbnh=131&tbnw=136&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvitamin%2Bc%2Bstructure%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1>

Admin. "The Role of Vitamin A in your Heathcare". HeathHype.com. 24 January. 2008. 16 November. 2009. __<http://www.healthhype.com/wp-content/plugins/ist2_1535852_vitamin_c_overdose.jpg>__