Ronald E. McNair Program


Denaya Butler
 Home Institution: University Of Mississippi 
Discipline: Forensic Chemistry/Biology
Mentor: Dr. Murrell Godfrey
Expected Graduation Date:  May 2005
Organizations & Honors: 
  • Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Tau Eta Chapter
    • Step Captain 2004-2005
    • Web-Mistress 2004-2005
    • Historian and Web-Mistress 2003-2004
    • Step Captain 2003-2004
    • Social Chairperson 2003-2004
  • I.M.A.G.E. Scholar (Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education)
    • Mentor 2003-2004
    • Summer Bridge Mentor 2003 
  • Order of Omega 
  • Student Affiliates of the American Chemistry Society
  • Leap Frog Tutor 
  • National Society of Black Engineers
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • The Ole Miss Yearbook Staff
E-Mail Address: dtbutler@olemiss.edu

 

ABSTRACT

Characterization of 5-Sulfosalicylic Acid Using Analytical Instrumentation


The purpose of this experiment was to use analytical instrumentation and methods to characterize a given drug.  The results from these characterizations can later be used as standards in different drug testing methods and/or to provide a basis for future research studies.  In characterizing and analyzing different compounds and drugs, there are different forms of analytical methods and instrumentation that could be used. Several different types of analytical processes and instrumentation were used to determine the analytical and organic properties of the given drug in aqueous solution.  Ultraviolet visible Spectrophotometry was used to determine the wavelength maximum, concentration, and molar absorptivity of the compound.  In order to determine the purity of the given compound, Gas Chromatography was performed.  After determining these properties, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometry was used to reveal the structure of the drug. 

The compound to be characterized in this research experiment was sulfosalicylic acid.  This compound has three other names by which it is known.  These names are 2-hydroxy-5-sulfobenzoic acid, 5-sulfosalicylate, and 5-sulfosalicylic Acid.  Its molecular formula is C7H6O6S•H2O with a formula weight of 254.22 grams.  Sulfosalicylic acid is an aromatic sulfur-oxygen compound.  It is a white, odorless powder that is very soluble in water and has a melting point of 120? Celsius.  Sulfosalicylic acid is a protein precipitant that is commonly used in blood and urine analysis.  It is most frequently used in a process known as the Sulfosalicylic Acid Method or proteinuria.  This method breaks down the components of a substance to determine its protein concentration.  This particular test and others like it are used in forensic examinations during criminal investigations.  The results from these characterizations could be used later as standards in different drug testing methods or to provide a basis for further research studies.  Such future studies could include examining the effects of added substituents to sulfosalicyic acid.