IR, Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 5-sulphosalicylic acid were recorded and analysed. The vibrational wavenumbers were computed by density functional theoretical (DFT) method using B3LYP/6-31G * basis. The bands due to the stretching modes C O, C-S and SO 2 are intense in the SERS spectrum. The C-H stretching mode also appears in the SERS spectrum. The molecule is found to adsorb through both the carboxyl and sulphonyl groups. A possible tilted orientation of the molecule is suggested.