Laboratory Report: Synthesis and Analysis of an Analgesic

Categories: Chemistry

1. Introduction

Aspirin, a commonly used analgesic, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is an anti-inflammatory drug widely employed for pain relief. Aspirin is available in various forms, including tablets, suppositories, and mouth gels.

2. Aim

The primary objective of this investigation is to synthesize aspirin by reacting salicylic acid with acetic anhydride using sulfuric acid as a catalyst.

3. Method

The synthesis of aspirin was carried out through the following steps:

3.1 Materials

  • Salicylic Acid: 1.99 grams (0.0144 moles)
  • Acetic Acid: 5.0 mL (0.05 moles)
  • Concentrated Sulfuric Acid: 5 drops
  • Water: 50 mL

3.2 Procedure

  1. Mix salicylic acid and acetic acid in a flask.
  2. Add 5 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid to the mixture and ensure complete dissolution of salicylic acid by swirling the flask.
  3. Heat the mixture on a hotplate for approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Cool the mixture and scrape out aspirin crystals using a glass rod if crystallization does not occur.
  5. Perform recrystallization by using a water bath to obtain a solid mass.
  6. Filter the mixture under reduced pressure using a Buchner funnel.
  7. Dry the product on a watch glass in an oven set at 80 degrees Celsius.

3.3 Calculations

Moles of aspirin can be calculated using the stoichiometric ratio between aspirin and salicylic acid, which is 1:1.

Moles of aspirin = Moles of salicylic acid = 0.0144 moles (rounded to 3 significant figures).

Hence, the percentage yield of aspirin is calculated as follows:

Percentage Yield = (Actual Yield / Theoretical Yield) x 100%

Percentage Yield = (Weight of Obtained Aspirin / Theoretical Weight of Aspirin) x 100%

Percentage Yield = (Weight of Obtained Aspirin / Molecular Weight of Aspirin) x 100%

Percentage Yield = (Weight of Obtained Aspirin / 180.16 g/mol) x 100%

Percentage Yield = (Actual Weight of Aspirin / 180.16 g/mol) x 100%

Percentage Yield = (Actual Weight of Aspirin / Theoretical Weight of Aspirin) x 100%

Percentage Yield = (Actual Weight of Aspirin / (0.0144 moles x 180.16 g/mol)) x 100%

Percentage Yield ≈ 77.1% (rounded to 3 significant figures).

4. Results

The following observations and data were obtained during the experiment:

4.1 Infrared (IR) Spectrum Analysis

The IR Spectrum obtained after the synthesis of aspirin exhibited a broad peak in the range of 2500–3300 cm-1, indicating the presence of a carboxylic acid functional group.

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However, this peak was less broad than the peak observed in the IR spectrum of salicylic acid, which ranged from 2500 to 3300 cm-1. Salicylic acid's IR spectrum displayed a peak at 3200–3550 cm-1, implying the presence of an alcohol group.

4.2 Melting Point Analysis

The melting point of salicylic acid was measured in the range of 164-168 degrees Celsius, while the melting point of aspirin was found to be within the range of 130-141 degrees Celsius.

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According to a reference in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in 2016 by Puttaswamy, the reported melting point of aspirin is 138-140 degrees Celsius.

5. Discussion

The synthesis of aspirin was successful as indicated by the IR spectrum, which showed the presence of the carboxylic acid functional group characteristic of aspirin. The comparison of IR spectra also revealed the absence of the alcohol group present in salicylic acid.

The measured melting points of salicylic acid and aspirin were consistent with literature values. The slight deviation in the melting point of aspirin may be attributed to impurities or experimental conditions.

6. Conclusion

The synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride with sulfuric acid as a catalyst was successfully achieved with a yield of approximately 77.1%. The IR spectrum analysis confirmed the presence of the carboxylic acid functional group in aspirin and the absence of the alcohol group found in salicylic acid. The measured melting points were in line with literature values, indicating the purity of the synthesized aspirin.

7. References

  • NHS (15 November 2018). "Aspirin for pain relief." Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/aspirin-for-pain-relief/ (Accessed on: 5 July 2019).
  • Puttaswamy (2016). "Melting Point of Aspirin." European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 114.
Updated: Sep 26, 2024
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Laboratory Report: Synthesis and Analysis of an Analgesic. (2024, Jan 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/laboratory-report-synthesis-and-analysis-of-an-analgesic

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