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(C2O4)·3H2O. The crystal structure of this
compound is described. Relevant crystal data are the following: 
C4H12O14Cd2, fw = 508.94; triclinic; space group P1 (No. 1); a =
6.010(1) Å, b = 6.668(1) Å, c = 8.498(1) Å; α = 74.64(1)°, β =
74.25(1)°, γ = 80.91(1)°; V = 314.7(5) Å3; Z = 1.