8127. Reductic Acid

Nomenclature

CAS number: 80-72-8
2,3-Dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one; 2-cyclopenten-2,3-diol-1-one.
C5H6O3; mol wt 114.10.
C 52.63%, H 5.30%, O 42.07%.

Description and references

Antioxidant obtained from pectic substances: Reichstein, Oppenauer, Helv. Chim. Acta 16, 988 (1933); 17, 390 (1934); Goldstein, US 2854484 (1958). Alternate syntheses: Hesse et al., Ann. 563, 31 (1949); 592, 137 (1955); 736, 134 (1970). Crystal structure: D. Semmingsen, Acta Chem. Scand. B 31, 81 (1977). Similar to vitamin C in structure but not activity.

Chemical structure

Properties

Pale yellow crystals (has been obtained colorless) from ethyl acetate, dec 213-213.5° (also reported as 207.5° and 211°). Soluble in water, methanol, ethanol. Sparingly sol in ether, ethyl acetate, acetone. Insol in benzene.

Derivative

5-Methylreductic acid.

Properties

mp 71°. Stronger reducing agent than reductic acid.

Use

As antioxidant, like isoascorbic or ascorbic acid.