The biological importance and activity of ascorbic acid and its radicals are briefly reviewed. The quantum mechanical calculations performed on these remarkable compounds are presented in some detail. Particular attention is devoted to structural and electronic features offered by the semiempirical MINDO/3 and MNDO schemes. By making use of the self-consistent charge (SCC-MO) method, the ESCA spectra of the ascorbic acid tautomers are predicted. It is found that the radical anion is more stable than each of the four AA tautomers. This is of importance because the unusual biological protective property of ascorbate against free radical damage is most likely related to the stability of its radical, Ortgins of the enhanced stability of the radical anion are analyzed by the energy partitioning technique
