Ascorbic acid is one form of vitamin C , and was historically the first chemical compound to be synthesized , and identified , as vitamin C. The name is derived from a - ( meaning `` no '' ) and scorbutus ( scurvy ) , the disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is one form ( vitamer ) of vitamin C , and was historically the first chemical compound to be synthesized , and identified , as vitamin C. The name is derived from a - ( meaning `` no '' ) and scorbutus ( scurvy ) , the disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C.