Quantitative Analysis of Vitamin C Contained in Foods
Vitamin C http://swampie.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/blueberries2.jpg http://bxdhealth.com/UploadFiles/2009111623319870.jpg http://www.thecnj.com/review/2008/071708/images/strawberries.jpg Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. Its absence from our bodies results in deficiency disorders such as scurvy.
Today we will… Titrate a fruit drink with iodine. Calculate the amount of vitamin C in our fruit drink. Remember that a solution with dissolved Vitamin C should not be exposed to air for long periods. Prolonged exposure causes oxidation of the ascorbic acid. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mw94gzeUOJQ/TVKSd1AookI/AAAAAAAAAS8/m9BqTeIUGuk/s1600/titration-equipment1.jpg
The titration As we titrate our fruit drink with iodine, the vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is oxidized by the iodine. I2 + starch → iodine – starch complex (blue/purple) When there is no more vitamin C to be oxidized, there will be an excess of iodine. This iodine will combine with the starch to make a blue/purple solution.
(Remember stoichiometry? ) Calculations To calculate the amount of vitamin C in your fruit drink you will use the amount of iodine titrated and the following conversion factor. 1 mL of I2 (0.01 M) = 1.76 mg vitamin C (Remember stoichiometry? )
Potential Health Concerns Inhalation: corrosion, coughing, choking, inflammation of the upper respiratory system, pulmonary edema, circulatory failure and death Ingestion: corrosion, pain and burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and death Skin contact: irritation, corrosion, redness, pain, burns, ulcers, sensitization, allergic reaction and discoloration of the skin Eye contact: corrosion, burns and permanent eye damage Tumorigen, mutagen and reproductive effectors