ABSTRACT
Solid is stable in air in pure or tablet form unless hot and/or humid. Oxidizes autocatalytically in aqueous solution: Dilute (<0.1 mg/ml), very rapidly; concentrated (>1 mg/ml) moderate rate. Stable in solution if all O2 excluded. Oxidation catalyzed by metals, especially Cu++ or Fe++. Stabilized by acid solutions, especially metaphosphoric acid or trichloroacetic acid. Alkaline solutions unstable. Oxidation intermediates: Monodehydroascorbic acid (a free radical); dehydroascorbic acid; L-2,3-diketogulonate; plus many other products.
