5-Sulfosalicylic acid

A chemical compound used in medical and laboratory settings

5-Sulfosalicylic acid is an organic compound with the formula C₇H₆O₆S. It is a sulfonic acid derivative of salicylic acid. This compound is commonly used in medical laboratories for the detection of protein in urine samples.

Structure and Properties

5-Sulfosalicylic acid is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. It is characterized by the presence of both a carboxylic acid group and a sulfonic acid group, which contribute to its acidic properties. The molecular structure can be represented by the following images:

Structural formula of 5-Sulfosalicylic acid

Ball-and-stick model of 5-Sulfosalicylic acid

Applications

Medical Use

In clinical settings, 5-sulfosalicylic acid is primarily used for the qualitative analysis of proteinuria. When added to a urine sample, it causes proteins to precipitate, allowing for the detection of albumin and other proteins. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring kidney disease.

Laboratory Use

Beyond its medical applications, 5-sulfosalicylic acid is also used in various laboratory procedures. It serves as a reagent in biochemical assays and can be used to precipitate proteins from solutions, aiding in their purification and analysis.

Safety and Handling

5-Sulfosalicylic acid should be handled with care, as it is a strong acid and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles should be worn when handling this compound.

Related Compounds

• Salicylic acid
• Sulfonic acid
• Benzoic acid

Gallery

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  Crystalline form of 5-Sulfosalicylic acid

Related pages

• Proteinuria
• Urinalysis
• Kidney disease

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  Sulfosalicylic acid structure
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  5-Sulfosalicylic acid ball-and-stick animation
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  5-Sulfosalicylic acid