Open In App

Uric Acid Formula

Improve
Improve
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report

Carbon is a nonmetallic, tetravalent element that is of great use to humans. Its name is derived from Latin carbo which means charcoal or ember. Even though carbon is only 0.025% of the earth’s crust and 0.03% in the atmosphere it is of great importance to mankind. Carbon’s abundance and its ability to form polymer at normal temperature is the reason it is commonly found in all living forms. The largest source of inorganic carbon is limestones, dolomite, etc.

However, Nitrogen is a nonmetal and forms up to 78% of the earth’s atmosphere making it the most abundant element. It is present in all living organisms in the form of nucleic acid (DNA and RNA). Its atomic number is 7 and is represented by the letter N. Nitrogen is found in almost all major pharmacological drugs. It was discovered by Scottish physician Daniel Rutherford in 1772. 

What is Uric Acid?

Uric acid is a chemical substance created when the body breaks down purines. Purines are naturally present in the body. Purines can even be found in some food materials. The concentration of Purines is high in materials like alcohol, shellfish, and liver. It is formed when the DNA is broken down. Uric acid is one of the waste products produced in the body. Uric acid is removed from the body either through urination or through a bowel movement. The high uric acid level in the blood indicated an improper lifestyle or the misfunctioning of kidneys. 

It was first discovered by Swedish Chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in the year 1776 when he successfully isolated uric acid from kidney stones. Though it was discovered in the year 1776 it was synthesized for the first time in the year 1882 by Ukrainian chemist Ivan Horbaczewski. He synthesized uric acid by melting urea and glycine.

Structure of Uric Acid

Uric acid is made from a combination of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Oxygen. The chemical formula of uric acid is C5H4N4O3. It is formed due to the breaking down of purines. The IUPAC name of uric acid is 7,9-Dihydro-1H-purine-2,6,8(3H)-trione. It is generally found as a white crystal or powder. The molecular weight of uric acid is 168 amu. It appears as a white solid or powder.

Structure of Uric Acid

Uric Acid

Physical and Chemical Properties of Uric Acid

  • The molecular weight of uric acid is 168 amu.
  • It appears as a white solid or powder.
  • It is odorless in nature.
  • The melting point of Uric acid is Greater than 300o C.
  • It is highly soluble in water.
  • The pKa value of Uric acid is 5.4
  • The density of the acid is 1.87 g/cm3.
  • It is a weak acid as it comes under organic acid.
  • The pH value of Uric acid is 7.4

Uses of Uric Acid

  • The concentration of uric acid in the body can help diagnose various diseases like gout, kidney Stones,
  • Uric acid initiates an inflammatory process which is important for tissue repair.
  • It acts as an Immune system stimulant. Urate is a powerful antioxidant.
  • High concentration may lead to multiple health problems.
  • The concentration of Uric acid can be reduced by increasing the intake of Vitamin C and increasing the intake of water.
  • The excess uric acid in the body is removed through urination.

FAQs on  Uric Acid

Question 1: Write a short note on Uric Acid.

Answer:

Uric acid is a chemical substance created when the body breaks down purines. Purines are naturally present in the body. Purines can even be found in some food materials. The concentration of Purines is high in materials like alcohol, shellfish and liver. It is formed when the DNA is broken down. Uric acid is one of the waste products produced in the body. 

Question 2: When was Uric acid first discovered?

Answer: 

It was first discovered by Swedish Chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele in the year 1776 when he successfully isolated uric acid from kidney stones. Though it was discovered in the year 1776 it was synthesized for the first time in the year 1882 by Ukrainian chemist Ivan Horbaczewski. He synthesized uric acid by melting urea and glycine.

Question 3: Write a short note on the Structure of Uric Acid.

Answer:

Uric acid is made from a combination of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Oxygen. The chemical formula of uric acid is C5H4N4O3. It is formed due to the breaking down of purines. The IUPAC name of uric acid is 7,9-Dihydro-1H-purine-2,6,8(3H)-trione. It is generally found as a white crystal or powder. The molecular weight of uric acid is 168 amu. It appears as a white solid or powder.

Question 4: List some properties of Uric Acid.

Answer:

The molecular weight of uric acid is 168 amu. It appears as a white solid or powder. It is odorless in nature. The melting point of Uric acid is Greater than 300° C. It is highly soluble in water. The pKa value of Uric acid is 5.4. The density of the acid is 1.87 g/cm3. It is a weak acid as it comes under organic acid. The pH value of Uric acid is 7.4

Question 5: List some uses of Uric Acid.

Answer: 

The concentration of uric acid in the body can help diagnose various diseases like Gout, Kidney stones,
Uric acid initiates an inflammatory process which is important for tissue repair. It acts as an Immune system stimulant. Urate is a powerful antioxidant. High concentration may lead to multiple health problems. The concentration of Uric acid can be reduced by increasing the intake of Vitamin C and increasing the intake of water. The excess uric acid in the body is removed through urination.


Last Updated : 20 Dec, 2023
Like Article
Save Article
Previous
Next
Share your thoughts in the comments
Similar Reads