Abstract: Molecular imprinting is a synthesis technique developed to create specific binding sites for individual chemical compounds. Sol-gel based molecular imprinting has many advantages among which are its low temperature, transparency, and its ability to embed indicators into its matrix. By analyzing the absorbance of the indicator solution at different pHs using the UV-VIS spectrometer, it is possible to calculate the pKa shift to be used as a specific indicator. By entrapping the indicator into the matrix with various initial proton concentrations, the gel with various proton concentrations will have a memory of the proton, which will cause the pKa shift of the entrapped indicators. Prior to the measurement of the sol-gel entrapped indicators, it is necessary to measure the pKa of the indicator in the solution. Spectra were taken of each indicator while the pH was adjusted. The pH of each spectrum was recorded for use later on in the experiment. A linear graph is constructed with the pH/ absorbance, and from this graph and using a formula that was composed of using a combination of Beer's Law and the Henderson Hasselbach equation, the pKa can be calculated. Results are pending due to calculation of data.

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