ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID (ASPIRIN)

Introduction
Aspirin also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a salicylate drug, often used as an

analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an

anti-inflammatory medication. It is also known as 2-Acetoxybenzoic acid

It appears as a crystalline powder which is colourless to white. Generally, it has no smell but
when in moist air it acquires a smell of acetic acid.

Acetylsalicylic acid was launched into the pharmacy industry more than 100 years ago. While
initially conceived as an analgesic, doctors soon discovered that it had many other medicinal
benefits.

By adding a buffer to the salicylic acid to produce acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), Hoffman developed
a compound that was better tolerated and had fewer gastrointestinal side effects. In 1899,
acetylsalicylic acid was released on the market and sold as “aspirin.”

Figure: Timeline of historical events in the development of aspirin

Structure

OH
aspirin

Properties of Acetylsalicylic acid – C9H8O4

 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
o It is a white crystalline solid at room temperature
o It is soluble in water. 3g of aspirin can dissolve in 1 litre of water
o It is weakly acidic in nature. At 25 °C temperature, its acid dissociation constant is
3.5

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 180.159 g/mol

Density 1.40 g/cm³
Boiling Point 140°C
Melting Point 136°C
 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
o It gets hydrolyzed on coming in contact with moist air. Although it is stable in dry air.
o It easily decomposes in the solution of ammonium acetate, carbonates, citrates, or
alkali metal hydroxides
o It can be explosive when mixed with air in its powdered form
o It is anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulatory, and analgesic

Applications

1. Aspirin far exceed temporary relief from fever and aches.

2. Uncoated aspirin tablets consisting of about 90% acetylsalicylic acid is used to reduce
pain. It works by blocking a certain natural substance in your body to reduce pain and
swelling.
3. Inhibits blood clots: Aspirin is combined with ADP receptor inhibitors to prevent blood
clots.
4. Aspirin either by itself or in a combined formulation effectively treats some types of
headache.
5. Aspirin is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for both acute and long-term
inflammation, as well as for treatment of inflammatory diseases.
6. Aspirin is an important part of treatment of those who have myocardial infraction
severity (heart attack), if taken at the very first sign. In lower doses, aspirin prevents the
progression of cardiovascular disease.
7. Aspirin also reduces the overall risk of both getting cancer and dying from cancer.
Some Global Key Manufacturers of Aspirin:

 Bayer (Germany)
 Novacyl (France)
 Andhra Sugars Ltd. (India)
 Wuyi Cihang Pharmaceutical CO.,LTD (China)
 Huayin Jinqiancheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China)
 Nanjing Pharmaceutical Factory Co. Ltd. (China)
 Hunan Zhongnan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China)
 Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Company Limited (China)
 Hebei Jingye Group (China)

Market Analysis

Currently, ≈40 000 tons of aspirin are produced every year worldwide, and in the United States
alone, >50 million people take 10 to 20 billion aspirin tablets regularly for the prevention of
CVD

Figure: Asia Pacific Aspirin Share (by %), by country

Figure: Global Aspirin, by type (USD Million) (2013 – 2018)