Reversible oxidation of ascorbic acid by means of norite charcoal

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Abstract
Norite charcoal rapidly converts ascorbic acid into dehydroascorbic acid, with little loss by further oxidation to the irreversible stage. The dehydroascorbic acid prepared in this way remains fairly stable for several days if saturated with CO2 and stored on ice. Since with small quantities of norite the reaction is rapid, short lived and proportional to the amt. used, it is evidently not of the same type as that brought about by traces of Fe or Cu. Most probably it is a case of direct transference of oxygen occluded on the surface of the charcoal.