[User1265]

Hello---Is it true that adding ascorbic acid in the bath can neutralize chlorine? Are there any other items we can add to bath tap water to neutralize undesirable chemicals? Thank you.

[tickle]

Ascorbic acid is vitamin C an organic compound found in nature. You make it sound like something that shouldn't be available.

No, this won't neutralize anything in your bathwater. That can be accomplished with the proper filtering attachments to your water coming into the house.

[joypulv]

The metal and mineral compounds and forms of carbon in a water filter (whole house, shower, or tap) are complicated and designed to filter out more than just chlorine. But yes, you can use ascorbic acid.

One gram of ascorbic acid will neutralize 1 milligram per liter of chlorine per 100 gallons of water. The reaction is very fast:
C5H5O5CH2OH + HOCL → C5H3O5CH2OH + HCl + H2O
Ascorbic acid + Hypochlorous acid → Dehydroascorbic acid + Hydrochloric acid + water
Approximately 2.5 parts of ascorbic acid are required for neutralizing 1 part chlorine.

(Sodium ascorbate, another form of Vitamin C, will also neutralize chlorine, but is preferable for high concentrations of chlorine not found in homes.)

[User1265]

Such different answers--thank you. There is a bath tablet that claims to do this:

"Vitamin C dechlorination tablets are comprised of ascorbic acid, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. This powerful formula is designed to neutralize chlorine and chloramines in in hot tub or spas. The vitamin C will become effervescent and begin to fizz. One tablet is able to neutralize 1 ppm chlorine and chloramines in 100 gallons of water and completely eliminate the dry itchy skin caused by chlorine in your hot tub or spas. Dechlorination agent: 100% Pharmaceutical Grade Vitamin C. Totally remove chlorine and chloramines from your hot tub and spas. . Meets the dechlorination requirements of the US EPAs Clean Water Act."

So in your opinion, this can work for people who are concerned about breathing in chlorine/chloramine during hot bath?