Product Description
3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid, bearing the CAS number 86404 - 04 - 8, represents a specialized derivative of L - ascorbic acid, more commonly referred to as vitamin C. This compound is synthesized via a unique chemical modification procedure, wherein an ethyl group is covalently attached to the 3 - position of the L - ascorbic acid molecular structure.
Differences from Native Vitamin C
Stability: Native vitamin C is notoriously unstable. Its molecular structure, with C2 and C3 - position adjacent enol - type hydroxyl groups, makes it highly susceptible to oxidation. Exposure to light, air, or high temperatures can rapidly lead to its degradation, which results in a loss of its biological activity. In contrast, 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid has significantly enhanced stability. The ethyl group at the 3 - position sterically hinders the oxidation process, protecting the vulnerable hydroxyl groups. This allows products formulated with 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid to maintain their integrity over a much longer period. For example, while a vitamin C - based product might start to show signs of degradation within a few weeks when exposed to normal storage conditions, a 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid - containing product can remain stable for months.
Solubility: Vitamin C is highly soluble in water but insoluble in non - polar solvents like oils. This limits its application in oil - based formulations. 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid, on the other hand, exhibits a unique dual - solubility property. It is not only soluble in water but also shows solubility in certain polar organic solvents. This characteristic provides formulators with greater flexibility. They can create a wider range of products, such as oil - in - water emulsions or water - in - oil emulsions, which was challenging to achieve with native vitamin C.
2. Retained Beneficial Properties
Antioxidant Activity: Similar to native vitamin C, 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant. It can neutralize free radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, and other reactive oxygen species. In the human body, these free radicals can cause oxidative damage to cells, including DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation. By scavenging these free radicals, both 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid and vitamin C help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of various diseases associated with oxidative stress, like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Skin - Whitening Potential: Vitamin C inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme crucial for melanin synthesis. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin coloration, and by suppressing tyrosinase, vitamin C can reduce melanin production, leading to skin - lightening effects. 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid retains this property. It effectively suppresses tyrosinase activity, gradually reducing skin pigmentation, fading dark spots, freckles, and evening out the skin tone. This makes it a highly sought - after ingredient in the cosmetic industry for skin - whitening products.
3. Overcome Limitations
Skin Irritation: Native vitamin C has a relatively low pH, typically needing to be at a pH of around 3.5 to remain stable. This low - pH environment can cause skin irritation, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid, due to its enhanced stability, does not rely on such a low pH for preservation. As a result, it is less likely to cause skin irritation, making it suitable for a broader range of skin types, including sensitive skin.
Limited Formulation Options: The solubility and stability issues of native vitamin C restricted its use in certain product formulations. For instance, in the development of long - lasting, oil - based products, vitamin C's insolubility in oils and instability in the presence of oxygen made it difficult to incorporate effectively. 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid overcomes these limitations. Its dual - solubility and enhanced stability enable it to be used in a wide variety of product formulations, from water - based serums to oil - based creams, expanding its application scope in different industries.
Such a structural modification imparts distinct physicochemical and biological characteristics compared to the native vitamin C. It not only retains certain beneficial properties inherent to vitamin C but also surmounts specific limitations, rendering it highly desirable in diverse industrial sectors.
Physical and Chemical Properties
2.1 Appearance
Typically, 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid manifests as a white to off - white crystalline powder. Its fine - grained and homogeneous powder form facilitates facile handling during manufacturing processes. This consistent visual appearance serves as a crucial quality metric. Any significant deviation in color, such as the emergence of a yellowish hue, or texture, like the occurrence of agglomeration, may signify degradation or the presence of impurities.
2.2 Solubility
It demonstrates excellent solubility in water, a property of paramount importance for its application in numerous products. This high aqueous solubility enables its easy incorporation into aqueous - based formulations, ensuring uniform distribution. Moreover, it exhibits solubility in certain polar organic solvents. This dual - solubility characteristic offers formulators enhanced flexibility in the creation of diverse product types, whether water - based or those containing a specific proportion of organic solvents.
2.3 Stability
One of the notable features of 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid is its augmented stability in comparison to regular L - ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is well - known for its susceptibility to oxidation, which can lead to a loss of its biological activity. However, the introduction of the ethyl group in 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid mitigates this vulnerability to oxidation. Consequently, products formulated with this compound possess an extended shelf - life and can maintain their efficacy over an extended period.
Application Fields and Mechanisms of Action
3.1 Cosmetic Industry
3.1.1 Skin Whitening
In the cosmetic industry, 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid is highly prized for its skin - lightening capabilities. It exerts its effect by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme that is essential for the biosynthesis of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. By suppressing tyrosinase activity, it effectively reduces the production of melanin. This leads to a gradual attenuation of skin pigmentation, facilitating the fading of dark spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone. It serves as a key ingredient in many high - end skin - whitening creams, serums, and lotions.
3.1.2 Anti - Aging
It also plays a significant role in anti - aging skincare products. 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid functions as a potent antioxidant. It can scavenge free radicals in the skin, which are highly reactive species that can damage skin cells and accelerate the aging process. By neutralizing these free radicals, it aids in preventing collagen degradation, maintaining skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Regular application of products containing this compound can promote a more youthful and radiant complexion.
3.2 Pharmaceutical Industry
3.2.1 Antioxidant Supplementation
In the pharmaceutical domain, 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid can be utilized as an antioxidant supplement. It can be formulated into tablets, capsules, or oral solutions. As an antioxidant, it can contribute to bolstering the body's natural defense mechanisms against oxidative stress, which is associated with various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. It may also enhance the immune system, enabling the body to combat infections more effectively.
3.2.2 Wound Healing
This compound can also contribute to the wound - healing process. It promotes collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, which are cells involved in the repair of damaged tissues. By upregulating collagen production, it helps to expedite the formation of new tissue, accelerate wound closure, and reduce the risk of scarring.
3.3 Food Industry
3.3.1 Antioxidant and Preservative
In the food industry, 3 - O - Ethyl - L - ascorbic acid is employed as an antioxidant and preservative. It can prevent the oxidation of fats and oils in food products, thereby extending their shelf - life and maintaining their quality. It also aids in preserving the color, flavor, and nutritional value of foods. For instance, it can be added to fruit juices to prevent enzymatic browning and nutrient degradation, and to processed meats to inhibit lipid oxidation and the formation of harmful compounds.
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