Ascorbic Acid, 500 mg

STEMCELL Technologies supplies this small molecule for research applications, classed as an antioxidant and reducing agent. The compound is a naturally occurring lactone produced by plants and many animals, but not by humans or other primates, and it acts as an electron donor with antioxidant activity directed against reactive oxygen species. It also serves as a cofactor for monooxygenase and dioxygenase enzymes.

Alternative names for the substance include (+)-Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, NSC 218455, NSC 33832, and Vitamin C. The chemical name is (R)-5-((S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one, with CAS number 50-81-7, molecular formula C6H8O6, molecular weight 176.1 g/mol, and a reported purity of ≥ 95%. It appears as a crystalline solid, is not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture under GHS, and carries an oral LD50 in rat of 11900 mg/kg. Reported solubility values are ~3.3 mg/mL in PBS (pH 7.2), ~10 mg/mL in DMSO, and ~12.5 mg/mL in DMF, with stock solubility limits of PBS (pH 7.2) ≤ 18 mM and DMSO ≤ 55 mM.

Published applications include supporting proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells, increasing the efficiency of reprogramming mouse and human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells (in part through JHDM1 histone demethylase activity), preventing aberrant DNA methylation of the Dlk1-Dio3 locus during reprogramming, and promoting differentiation of osteoblasts from mesenchymal cells and embryonic stem cells as well as enhancing differentiation of cardiomyocytes from mouse embryonic stem cells. The product is stable for 12 months from date of receipt when stored at -20°C and protected from prolonged exposure to light, and is intended for research use only and not for human or animal diagnostic or therapeutic uses unless otherwise stated.