An Introduction to Electrochemistry for Undergraduates: Detection of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) by Inexpensive Electrode Sensors

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 5 Issue 2 (2000) pp 58-60

An Introduction to Electrochemistry for Undergraduates: Detection of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) by Inexpensive Electrode Sensors

Qi Wang, Alicia Geiger, Ramiro Frias, and Teresa D. Golden*

Department of Chemistry; University of North Texas; Denton, TX 76203- 5070

Published online: 2 April 2000

Abstract. This paper describes an undergraduate laboratory for general chemistry that can be used to supplement the teaching of oxidation–reduction reactions. The laboratory experiment also introduces students to basic electrochemical techniques and instrumentation. Using inexpensive materials to make carbon-paste electrodes, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is oxidized with the cyclic voltammetry technique. The students learn to operate the potentiostat, prepare electrodes from inexpensive materials, and oxidize the vitamin C in over the counter tablets.

Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; general chemistry; electrochemistry

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: tgolden@unt.edu)

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Supporting Materials:

Student handout (89 KB) 10.1007/s00897000364b