DAY 293/294

Jun 21 & 22

1) In the previous blog update I mentioned that we would conduct mass spectrometry to determine the identity of the second product that we created in the labs. So at 8.30am, Donal and I went over to York House, where he showed me how to use the mass spectrometer. After some initial dry runs, we inserted the sample into the machine and obtained the reading. Unfortunately, they did not match the product that we were looking for, much to our dismay.

2) So it was back to the drawing board. This time, I repeated the experiment, but followed an earlier (and similar) experiment carried out by Donal. We were half way through refluxing when we noticed something different about the DCM (dichloromethane/ methylene chloride) solution we were using. Strong hints of acetone were detected, suggesting that there were impurities present. This may have accounted for the change in mass spectra that we observed earlier in the morning. A quick TLC (thin layer chromatography) check confirmed that the product was indeed different, and hence we would have to (once again!) redo the experiment.

3) So I set up the experiment once more, making doubly sure to replace the tainted DCM solution with a fresh batch. We left the solution on low heat and reflux throughout the night. This morning, Donal had to present a research paper at DCU (Dublin City University), so I came alone to the labs to turn off the heating and carry out another TLC. This time things look a lot more positive. Hopefully our product will turn out fine, and we can proceed to the next step, which is to synthesize Deferasirox (DFX) from the two products that we have made.

4) In the afternoon, I went for my appointment with the Dublin School of Barbering, which offers free haircuts by their student barbers. To be honest, their quality is really good, and I can't really tell the difference haha. Anyway, I've spent the rest of the day back home, just contemplating life and wondering how to get everything packed up... That was today's blog update, and I hope you enjoyed it. Have a lovely day and thanks very much for visiting. Cheers!

That's a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) instrument, used to determine the physical and chemical properties of atoms or the molecules in which they are contained.

That's me after getting a haircut 

(unfortunately there's no me before getting a haircut XD)

DAY 290/291/292

Jun 18/19/20

1) These past few days have seen me really busy. I very mistakenly thought that I had two things coming up this Friday - the Antibiotics Resistance Debate, and the Hiking Trip to Mt. Brandon. It turns out both of these are happening only next month! At least I've prepared for them, if a little prematurely. Instead, this Friday we have a talk on "Presenting Your Research" by Mr. Eric Clarke. This is part of the Friday Discovery Series 2017.

2) Up till today, we've carried out three experiments in the Apjohn Chemistry Lab. These experiments are those which I'll have to write an abstract about - they're many other experiments which I helped out but which are not part of my research. By yesterday evening, we had managed to synthesize our second product. However, after NMR spectroscopy today, we can't confirm 100% if we've got the correct product or not. So tomorrow we'll be heading to York House to use the mass spectrometer to ascertain once and for all the identity of our product. If it's a no go then it'll be back to square one haha.

3) Today has been a particular fruitful day as I managed to finish off the rest of the steps for the manufacture of the products. The reason I'm being vague by calling them products and not their full name is because their names are very very long. Anyway, I spent some time at night reading up articles on how to synthesize them and also the methods and techniques used. Hopefully once they are all ready, we can start forming complexes with bismuth to create antimicrobials/ antibiotics which are effective. But that's a long way to go. Until then, thanks for reading, and have a great day. Cheers!

Another interesting day in the labs :)

Yes, that is just ONE experiment 

(to produce just one out of many reactants that will be used in the bismuth-iron chelator complex)

Pesto pasta @ AK. Henry ^^

Nothing beats a Subway cookie... except TWO Subway cookies XD