Ascorbyl stearate (C
24H
42O
7) is an
ester
In chemistry, an ester is a compound derived from an oxoacid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one hydroxyl group () is replaced by an alkoxy group (), as in the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Glycerides a ...
formed from
ascorbic acid and
stearic acid. In addition to its use as a source of
vitamin C
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate) is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus and other fruits and vegetables, also sold as a dietary supplement and as a topical 'serum' ingredient to treat melasma (dark pigment spots) ...
, it is used as an
antioxidant food additive in
margarine (
E number E305). The
USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food. It aims to meet the needs of com ...
limits its use to 0.02% individually or in conjunction with other antioxidants.
See also
*
Ascorbyl palmitate
Ascorbyl palmitate is an ester formed from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid creating a fat-soluble form of vitamin C. In addition to its use as a source of vitamin C, it is also used as an antioxidant food additive (E number E304). It is approved ...
*
Mineral ascorbates
Mineral ascorbates are a group of salts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). They are composed of a mineral cation bonded to ascorbate (the anion of ascorbic acid).
Production
Mineral ascorbates are powders manufactured by reacting ascorbic acid with ...
References
*
*
Food antioxidants
Fatty acid esters
Stearate esters
Vitamin C
{{ester-stub