Question

Is ascorbic acid an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent?

1) oxidizing agent
2) reducing agent

Answer 1

Ascorbic acid is a reducing agent in food chemistry and is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid. It can also reduce the nitrite ion to nitric oxide.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a reducing agent in food chemistry. It acts as an antioxidant, which means it helps to prevent the oxidation of living cells. In the process, ascorbic acid is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid. It can also reduce the nitrite ion to nitric oxide.