Sulfosalicylic Acid Crystallites

Sulfosalicylic acid is a trifunctional aromatic compound that undergoes reactions typical of phenols, carboxylic and sulfonic acid moieties. In medical testing, it is used to precipitate proteins from urine; it is a necessary adjunct to dipstick test methods in testing for certain types of protein in urine. The chemical is used industrially as a chelating agent, an intermediate in the manufacture of surface-active reagents, as an organic catalyst, and grease additive. When recrystallized from the melt, sulfosalicylic acid will slowly crystallize, forming beautiful dendritic needle-like crystals.