Decomposition of ascorbic acid in the presence of cadmium ions leads to formation of a polymeric cadmium oxalate species with peculiar structural features.

Slow decomposition of L-ascorbic acid, carried out under aerobic conditions and in the presence of cadmium ions, results in formation of a crystalline product that is highly insoluble in water. This compound has been identified as a cadmium oxalate polymeric species with formula Cd(C(2)O(4)).3H(2)O. The crystal structure of this compound is described. Relevant crystal data are the following: C(4)H(12)O(14)Cd(2), fw = 508.94; triclinic; space group P1 (No. 1); a = 6.010(1) A, b = 6.668(1) A, c = 8.498(1) A; alpha = 74.64(1) degrees, beta = 74.25(1) degrees, gamma = 80.91(1) degrees; V = 314.7(5) A(3); Z = 1.