Synthesis of Aspirin Laboratory Report

Categories: Chemistry

Organic synthesis involves the construction of desired organic compounds from commercially available materials. The primary goal is to design efficient synthetic routes to molecules. In this experiment, the focus is on the synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin. Aspirin is a widely used medication for reducing fever and alleviating pain. It is an acetyl derivative of salicylic acid, presenting as a white, crystalline substance with a melting point of 135°C.

The synthesis of aspirin involves the reaction between salicylic acid and acetyl anhydride, leading to the conversion of salicylic acid's hydroxyl group into an acetyl group (R—OH → R—OCOCH3).

The presence of an inorganic acid, such as phosphoric acid, serves as a catalyst for this reaction.

II. Objectives

  1. Introduce the concept of organic synthesis.
  2. Synthesize acetylsalicylic acid from salicylic acid through nucleophilic acyl substitution.
  3. Differentiate acetylsalicylic acid from salicylic acid through simple chemical tests.

III. Materials and Methods

Materials:

  1. Salicylic acid
  2. Acetic anhydride
  3. Phosphoric acid (catalyst)
  4. Apparatus for reflux
  5. Ice bath
  6. Filtration setup
  7. Ethanol
  8. Distilled water

Methods:

  1. Weighed and mixed salicylic acid, acetic anhydride, and phosphoric acid.
  2. Carried out the reaction under reflux conditions.
  3. Cooled the reaction mixture in an ice bath.
  4. Filtered the obtained precipitate.
  5. Washed the solid with ethanol and dried it.
  6. Performed chemical tests to differentiate salicylic acid from aspirin.

IV. Data

Yield and Characteristics of Aspirin

Product Mass (g) Appearance Melting Point (°C) Yield (%)
Acetylsalicylic acid A White, crystalline 135 B

The synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid commenced with the combination of salicylic acid, acetic anhydride, and phosphoric acid as a catalyst.

Get to Know The Price Estimate For Your Paper
Topic
Number of pages
Email Invalid email

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

"You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy"
Write my paper

You won’t be charged yet!

Under reflux conditions, a white, milky mixture was observed. The reaction mechanism involves the nucleophilic acyl substitution, where the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid is replaced by the acetyl group from acetic anhydride.

The obtained product, acetylsalicylic acid, appeared as a white, crystalline substance with a melting point of 135°C. The yield was calculated to be B%, indicating the efficiency of the synthesis process.

The differentiation of acetylsalicylic acid from salicylic acid was achieved through various chemical tests. These tests provided conclusive evidence of the successful conversion of salicylic acid to aspirin.

In conclusion, the synthesis of aspirin involved the reaction between salicylic acid and acetic anhydride in the presence of phosphoric acid as a catalyst. The obtained product exhibited the characteristic features of acetylsalicylic acid. The chemical tests conducted confirmed the successful synthesis, highlighting the importance of organic synthesis in obtaining specific pharmaceutical compounds.

This laboratory experiment not only provided hands-on experience in organic synthesis but also emphasized the significance of precise measurements and careful experimental techniques. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of the synthesis of aspirin and its applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Updated: Feb 29, 2024
Cite this page

Synthesis of Aspirin Laboratory Report. (2024, Feb 29). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/document/synthesis-of-aspirin-laboratory-report

Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment