Reviewing the effect of metal complexation upon the antioxidant/antiradical properties of L-ascorbic acid

Abstract

L-ascorbic acid is a molecule used in the hydroxylation of various biochemical reactions in cells. Its main function is the hydroxylation of collagen, the fibrillar protein that gives resistance to bones, teeth, tendons and walls of blood vessels. Furthermore, it is a powerful antioxidant, being used to transform reactive oxygen species into inert forms. It is also used in the synthesis of some molecules that serve as hormones or neurotransmitters. In this review, a series of reactions are presented and discussed with the aim to discuss as some chemical parameters such as pH, redox potential, presence of different metal ions and ascorbic acid works effectively as a ligand. Several mechanisms are revisited and aspects as the effect of transition metals over the redox chemistry of acid is presented.