Uric Acid Formula

Uric Acid Formula

Information about the Uric Acid Formula is provided in this article. To learn more about Uric Acid Formula, students can refer to the various resources provided by Extramarks. Extramarks offers study resources such as NCERT solutions, Past year’s papers, Revision notes, etc. All the resources can be accessed from the website and mobile application of Extramarks.

What is Uric Acid?

Uric Acid Formula is a chemical substance produced by the body when purines are broken down. It is natural for the body to contain purines. Purines can also be found in some foods. Purines are abundant in materials such as alcohol, shellfish, and liver. When the DNA is broken down, it forms. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body. Uric acid is eliminated from the body through urination or bowel movement. A high uric acid level in the blood indicated an unhealthy lifestyle or kidney dysfunction.

Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a Swedish chemist, discovered it in 1776 when he successfully isolated uric acid from kidney stones. Although it was discovered in 1776, Ukrainian chemist Ivan Horbaczewski synthesised it for the first time in 1882. He created uric acid by combining urea and glycine.

Structure of Uric Acid

Uric Acid Formula is created by combining carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Uric acid has the chemical formula C5H4N4O3. It is formed as a result of the breakdown of purines. Uric Acid’s IUPAC name is 7,9-Dihydro-1H-purine-2,6,8(3H)-trione. It is typically found in the form of a white crystal or powder. Uric acid has a molecular weight of 168 AMU. It has the appearance of a white solid or powder.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Uric Acid

1. Uric Acid Formula has a molecular weight of 168 AMU.
2. It has the appearance of a white solid or powder.
3. It has no odour in nature.
4. Uric Acid Formula has a melting point greater than 300o C.
5. It is extremely soluble in water.
6. Uric Acid Formula has a pKa of 5.4.
7. The acid has a density of 1.87 g/cm3.
8. It is a weak acid because it is classified as an organic acid.
9. Uric acid has a pH of 7.4.

Clinical Significance of Uric Acid

The clinical significance of the Uric Acid Formula is given below. 

Gout can be caused by high Uric acid levels in the body. Gout is a painful condition caused by the precipitation of needle-like crystals of uric acid in capillaries, joints, and skin.

Low Uric Acid levels cause a variety of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis.

Uses of Uric Acid

There are various uses of Uric Acid, some of which are given below: 

1. The concentration of uric acid in the body can aid in the diagnosis of various diseases such as gout and kidney stones. Uric acid causes an inflammatory response that is necessary for tissue repair.
2. It stimulates the immune system. Urate is an extremely potent antioxidant.
3. A high concentration can cause a variety of health issues.
4. Uric acid concentrations can be reduced by increasing vitamin C and water consumption.
5. Urination eliminates excess uric acid in the body.