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.
Uric Acid Formula
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.