Subject: Acids and Bases and Vit.C - How do I neutralize the acid of Vit.C?

It's been nearly 20 years since I sat in a freshman chemistry class, and I'd like a pointer (or two) on what to do. I like to use Vitamin C, but in that form it is very acid (Yuck!). And yes, unfortunately, I'm one of those people that have been horribly twisted by Linus Pauling into believing that Vit.C in quantity is beneficial. On occasion I'm able to buy salts of vitamin C. Specifically, Sodium Ascorbate and Calcium Ascorbate. According to the label on the containers, Sodium Ascorbate is made by combining Ascorbic Acid with Sodium Bicarbonate (aka Baking Soda) Calcium Ascorbate is made by combining Ascorbic Acid with Calcium Carbonate (aka ground limestone) What I'd like to figure out how to do is calculate the amount of Baking Soda or lime stone (or whatever) that is required to exactly neutralize the acid portion of the ascorbic acid, and what conditions are necessary to achieve that state. I'm also interested in making Potassium Ascorbate (with Potassium Bicarbonate I imagine or possibly Potassium Carbonate (Salt of Tartar)); and Magnesium Ascorbate (with Magnesium Carbonate, or possibly Milk of Magnesia (Magnesium Hydroxide). Can you suggest any sources to help me do this? Also, out of curiosity, how is Vit.C made? It's structure looks very close to that of table sugar. Is this something one could also make at home? I've always had an interest in chemistry, why I became an electrical engineer I'll never know! Thanx for your time... Chuck Petras

Re: Acids and Bases and Vit.C - How do I neutralize the acid of Vit.C?