Which pairing correctly matches an antioxidant to its typical system?

Which pairing correctly matches an antioxidant to its typical system?

• A. Ascorbic acid – oil systems
• B. Tocopherol – aqueous systems
• C. Ascorbic palmitate – aqueous systems
• D. Ascorbic acid – aqueous systems

Answer: (D)

Antioxidants partition between phases based on their solubility: hydrophilic antioxidants protect the aqueous phase, while lipophilic antioxidants protect the oily phase. Ascorbic acid is water-soluble, so it resides in the aqueous phase and helps prevent oxidation there. Tocopherol is fat-soluble and concentrates in oil, protecting lipid components. Ascorbic palmitate is more lipophilic than ascorbic acid, so it behaves like a lipid-soluble antioxidant. Therefore, pairing ascorbic acid with aqueous systems is the best match.

Antioxidants partition between phases based on their solubility: hydrophilic antioxidants protect the aqueous phase, while lipophilic antioxidants protect the oily phase. Ascorbic acid is water-soluble, so it resides in the aqueous phase and helps prevent oxidation there. Tocopherol is fat-soluble and concentrates in oil, protecting lipid components. Ascorbic palmitate is more lipophilic than ascorbic acid, so it behaves like a lipid-soluble antioxidant. Therefore, pairing ascorbic acid with aqueous systems is the best match.