26th Annual Student Research Conference
Synthesizing Sulfate Esters to Aid in Evaluation of Aerosol Pollution
Kaitlin Richards* and Emily J. Geddes
Dr. Tim Humphry, Faculty Mentor
Aerosol pollution is composed of solid particles that are small enough to remain suspended in the air for quite some time, even years. If breathed in, aerosol particles can cause lung irritation and chronic illness. Sulfate esters are extremely common aerosols, especially in urban areas with lots of engines combusting fuels containing small amounts of sulfur. In order to identify the specific sources and effects of sulfate ester aerosols, the structures of the esters must first be identified. In order to do this, GC/MS is used on tiny samples filtered out of the atmosphere. Each tentatively identified mass spectrum is then compared to that of a laboratory-prepared sample of the same sulfate ester. This research project is intended to produce the pure sulfate esters to serve as comparison standards. The developments of a broad synthetic protocol and of efficient product isolation are the primary goals of the research.
Keywords: ester, pollutant
Topic(s):Chemistry
Environmental Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 209-3
Location: MG 2090
Time: 10:00