University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1): 332-345.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202505108

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Automation and AI-Assisted Investigation of the Chemical Reactivity of Sulfosalicylic Acid

Jingxuan Zhang, Weihao Jiang, Siyuan Zhang, Hongye Tian, Ziye Huang, Lin Huang, Qikun Wu, Jing Yang, Yibin Jiang, Cheng Wang   

  1. College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian Province, China
  • Received:2025-05-30 Accepted:2025-09-09 Published:2025-12-30
  • Contact: Jing Yang, Cheng Wang E-mail:j.yang@xmu.edu.cn;wangchengxmu@xmu.edu.cn

Abstract: With the growing penetration of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in scientific research, chemical laboratory education, must keep pace with the times by integrating cutting-edge technologies, enabling students to familiarize themselves with advanced tools and methodologies in modern chemical research. This experiment integrates automated equipment and an AI teaching assistant built on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology, showcasing the intelligent transformation trends of future chemical research while achieving a dual enhancement of students’ data analysis capabilities and experimental efficiency. Focusing on the chemical reactivity of sulfosalicylic acid (HO3SC6H3(OH)CO2H, H3R), the study centers on two core objectives. First, determining its second and third ionization equilibrium constants (pKa2 and pKa3); second, investigating the composition and stability constants of its copper(II) complexes. Automated titration equipment works in synergy with pH meters to accurately monitor pH changes throughout the titration process for curve plotting, while ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy provides complementary characterization. The AI teaching assistant supports voice-interactive Q&A to address students’ queries, and the supporting AI tools facilitate rapid experimental data processing and accurate calculation of ionization equilibrium constants. For the investigation of complexes, the experiment adopts the method of continuous variations with equimolar ratios. A series of reaction solutions with varying molar ratios are precisely prepared via an automated platform, enabling systematic exploration of the compositional rules and stability of the complexes formed by H3R and Cu(II). This approach not only ensures students solidly grasp core chemical knowledge, but also effectively cultivates their innovative thinking and intelligent technology application capabilities through immersive exposure to automation and AI systems, realizing the organic integration of knowledge imparting and capability development.

Key words: AI assistant, Chemical automation, Sulfosalicylic acid, Acid-base titration, Coordination complex