science, technology, engineering, mathematics
Lab photo of test for carboxylic acid. Carbon dioxide bubbles out.
A small portion of solid NaHCO3 was added to the unknown sample dissolved in water. The formation of CO2 bubbles can be seen clearly in this picture. The sodium bicarbonate reacted with the unknown acid to produce salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas.
Sonjiala Jackson-Hotchkiss
Sonjiala (SON-ja-la) is currently pursuing an MS degree in chemistry at UC San Diego. As a member of the Bridges to Baccalaureate Program at San Diego Mesa College, her research in organic chemistry includes the synthesis of fatty acid esters of vitamin C that will be tested for their ability to inhibit glycolytic enzymes. In an additional research project she uses analytical chemistry techniques to determine the composition of World War II era California pottery.
