Ascorbic acid (English: ascorbic acid, C6H8O6) is a natural organic compound with antioxidant properties. Pure ascorbic acid is a white solid, but some samples of impurities can be slightly yellowish. Ascorbic acid is soluble in water and forms a mildly acidic solution. The substance was originally called "L-hexyl aldehyde", but it was suggested that it be renamed if it was found to have vitamin C activity in animals. Ascorbic acid is a vitamin C that is defined as a vitamin activity rather than a specific substance. New name, ascorbic acid The English name "ascorbic acid" originates from: A-(denotes "no") + scorbutus ("scurvy", which is due to lack of vitamin C). Ascorbic acid is derived from glucose, and many animals can make it, but humans need it as part of their nutrition. Other vertebrates lacking ascorbic acid include primates, guinea pigs, real bone fishes, bats and some birds, all of which require ascorbic acid as a dietary micronutrient.