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I've been doing research on Vitamin C titrations and I've often read that adding oxalic acid to sample before analysis is a good way to "stabilise" the ascorbic acid. My question is: what exactly does oxalic do to stabilise the ascorbic acid and prevent oxidation?
Igloo writes ...
As you will know, ascorbic acid is a reducing agent and is easily oxidised, especially in the presence of the enzyme, ascorbic acid oxidase. Oxalic acid is also a reducing agent, so if any oxidant is present (which would be potentially capable of oxidising the ascorbic acid), the hope is that it will oxidise the oxalic acid instead.
Always carry out a risk assessment and check with your teacher before starting any practical work.
Risk assessment
Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website.
For further guidance see our tutorial on Risk Assessment.
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updated: 14 December 2006
