University Scholars Program Research Project

Project Focus

The purpose of this project is to develop a working reagent and resin that may validate whether a product has started to develop any off flavors or not. Brady’s Reagent (2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) when dissolved in specific ratios of methanol and concentrated sulfuric acid) readily reacts with only aldehyde and ketone groups to form an orange-red precipitate. Then, a resin will be developed with the reagent incorporated into it to make it more stable. This will then be verified to ensure that the detection range is as intended.

Project Responsibilities

There are many responsibilities associated with this project. Because hazardous chemicals are actively used through the development process, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times. It is also my responsibility to thoroughly understand what chemicals I am using and how they may react. Undertaking a research project also takes time, and I must be able to allot time accordingly.