Abstract
The effect of L-ascorbic acid on β-carotene in the presence of free radical produced system during its autoxidation was studied and the following results were obtained.
1) β-Carotene was decomposed in the presence of L-ascorbic acid.
2) β-Carotene was greatly decomposed in the presence of ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide together.
3) Ferrous and ferric ions promoted the decomposition of β-carotene by ascorbic acid.
4) The fenton's system (hydrogen peroxide plus ferrous ion) greatly promoted the decomposition of β-carotene by ascorbic acid.
5) EDTA (ethylendiamin tetraacetate) protected β-carotene from being decomposed by ascorbic acid in the presence of ferrous ions.
