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Synthesis of Aspirin Data
Synthesis of Aspirin Data
Synthesis of Aspirin Data
Introduction:
Synthesis of Aspirin
A reactant containing a carboxylic acid group (COOH) and another reactant containing an
alcohol group (OH), they react together in a condensation reaction to form an ester (
COOR). Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) will be formed by reacting salicylic acid and acetic
anhydride in the presence of phosphoric acid acid (H+). The acid acts as a catalyst in speeding up
the reaction as it removes water from the products, pushing the equilibrium reaction forward.
Here, the water will react with excess acetic anhydride to convert it to acetic acid. After
crystallization, the crystals will be collected by vacuum filtrating using a Buchner funnel setup to
remove the acetic acid from the final aspirin product.
Oil of wintergreen will be synthesized by reacting methanol with salicylic acid in a hot water
both using sulphuric acid as a catalyst. Methyl salicylate in Oil of Wintergreen has a distinct
minty odor. Oil of Wintergreen is used also as ointments for the relief of muscle pain and
cramping as salicylic acid has analgesic properties. Esters, in general, have sweet, fruity smells.
Materials
Acetic Anhydride
Methanol, ethanol
Salicylic acid
Sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid
Data
Table 1. Synthesis of Aspirin
Data
2.51
0.0182
2.47
0.0137
3.28
Color
Colorless,clear
Smell
Sweet, minty smells
Other characteristics
Formation of crystals on side of the test tube
Calculations: Theoretical yield of aspirin: Salicylic acid (SA) is the limiting reactant as an
excess of acetic anhydride (5.00mL) was used.
0.0182 mol SA
=3.28 g
1mol SA
1 mol aspirin