Project #UR043
Project Number: UR043
Project Title: A Novel Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Ascorbic Acid in Pharmaceutical Preparations
Faculty Sponsor: Anselm Omoike
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Telephone:
E-Mail: ansomo@umflint.edu
Proposed Starting Date: 09/01/2009
Proposed Ending Date: 06/30/2009
Student in mind: Yes
Number of hours to work per week: 7-10 hours
Project Description: Vitamin C, known chemically as ascorbic acid occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables. It is used as an anti-oxidant in beverages and also as medication for scurvy, drug poisoning, allergic reactions and atherosclerosis. Ascorbic acid can be quantified by oxidizing ascorbic acid (C6H8O6) to dehydroascorbic acid (C6H6O6).
The main objective of the project is to develop a novel, simple, sensitive, low-cost and less hazardous spectrophotmetric method for quantifying ascorbic acid in liquid and dry state pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on oxidation of ascorbic acid to dehydroascorbic acid using Fe-galloyl complex. The effects of parameters such as reagent concentration, buffer composition, reaction time and interfering molecules/ions would be evaluated in order to optimize the method.
Student Tasks & Responsibilities:
- Prepare chemicals and reagents for experiments
- Conduct library and database work
- Perform laboratory experiments
- Maintain laboratory notebook in a complete and concise manner
- Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature relevant to research experiments.
- Assist in data analysis
Minimum Student Qualifications:
- Detailed-oriented
- Dedicated to gaining new skills and knowledge
- Excellent work ethic
- Ability to work well with clear instructions
- 5. Background in organic and analytical chemistry laboratory work