Some Observations on the Stability of Vitamin C.

It is well-known that Vitamin 0 rapidly undergoes oxidation 011 exposure to light and heat. It is also known that the oxidation is much more rapid in alkaline than in acid solution. This experiment was carried out in order to study the rate of deterioration of Vitamin C under different conditions and to find the conditions of its maximum stability. Even in well-known standard books conflicting records of observations have appeared. The B.P.C., 1934 states, "The zone of optimal stability atordinary temperature is in the neighbourhood of the natural acidity of the lemon juice (pH 2.2) and natural lemon juice can be kept without loss of potency for as long as 14 months at room temperature without any addition". Whereas according to Extra Pharmacopoeia, 1943, the point of maximum stability liesat about pH 5.4.