Differences Between Citric and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Two familiar acids, found in citrus fruit, are citric acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). But what are these acids and how are they different? First, consider the structure of these two food acids. Examine the Image The two acids look different, yet somehow they look similar. Each has a ring, or what almost passes as a ring, and each contains an abundance of oxygen atoms (O). There are three carboxylic acid groups –C=O(OH) are found in the citric acid molecule. On the other hand, ascorbic acid contains no carboxylic acid groups. Yet it, too, is acidic, about as acidic as vinegar. Citric acid with its carboxylic acid groups is the more acidic acid and so is more sour to the taste. But why is ascorbic acid acidic if it…