The illicit drugs and metabolites are predominantly present in toxicological reports. However, the over-the-counter, and common medications, such as aspirin, may also be included during sample analysis. Commonly, a regular medication may be consumed along side illicit drugs, and produce a combined effect. Hence, testing for common medication is also important aspect in forensic toxicology. In this lab, the presumptive testing was carried out for aspirin metabolite, salicylate, by using a colourimetric spectroscopic method.

Video

This video (6:30) documents in detail the full process of testing for aspirin and sodium salicylate using Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The overview and context for using aspirin and its metabolite sodium salicylate are provided, followed by the instrument calibration and sample preparation. Data were collected for various concentrations of sodium salicylate in the presence of iron(III)trichloride, and the presumptive solution test was performed. UV-vis data were also collected on salicylic acid (salicylate) solutions (various concentrations) in water.

Data Sets and Worksheet

Clicking the data set links below will automatically download the Excel spreadsheets to your computer.

Data sets (experimental data) provided include:

1. UV-vis spectra of salicylic acid (salicylate) in water at various concentrations.
   • DATA SETS: UV-Vis Spectra of Salicylic acid (salicylate)
2. UV-vis spectra of salicylic acid (salicylate) with iron(III)trichloride, at various salicylate concentrations: 0, 10, 50, and 200 mg/mL in water.
   • DATA SETS: UV vis SA with Fe(III).xslx (60 KB)