The photooxidation of ascorbic acid sensitized by Thionine Blue was studied. The Leucothionine Blue formed during the reaction is highly fluorescent. A flow injection method using merging zones is proposed for the determination of ascorbic acid over a concentration range from 8 x 10(-7) to 5 x 10(-5) mol l-1 with a throughout of 80 samples per h. The method was used for the simple and rapid determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceuticals, fruit juices and soft drinks.

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