At ambient temperatures in the absence of air, dry purified VC is highly stable and non-corrosive but above 450°C, or in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide, partial decomposition can occur. Combustion of VC in air produces carbon dioxide and hydrogen chloride. With air and oxygen, very explosive peroxides can be formed, necessitating a continuous monitoring and limitation of the oxygen content, particularly in VC recovery plants. In the presence of water, hydrochloric acid is formed.