What catalyst is aspirin made from?
What catalyst is aspirin made from?
To prepare aspirin, salicylic acid is reacted with an excess of acetic anhydride. A small amount of a strong acid is used as a catalyst which speeds up the reaction. In this experiment, sulfuric acid will be used as the catalyst. The excess acetic anhydride will be quenched (reacted) with the addition of water.
Why does the synthesis of aspirin smell like vinegar?
When acetylsalicylic acid ages, it may decompose and return to salicylic acid and acetic acid. If you have a very old bottle of aspirin around the house, open it and take a sniff. It may smell like vinegar, because vinegar is dilute acetic acid.
Why is aspirin used instead of salicylic acid?
Because of its bitter taste, chemical derivatives of salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) were synthesized and tested. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) eliminated the bitter taste but retained the anti-inflammatory action, and it was introduced for treating human maladies >100 years ago.
Is salicylic acid a phenol?
Salicylic acid is a phenolic phytohormone, and is found in plants with roles in plant growth and development, photosynthesis, transpiration, and ion uptake and transport.
Can I use salicylic acid if I’m allergic to aspirin?
Salicylic acid should not be used by someone allergic to aspirin. Both ingredients may cause dryness and irritation when you first start using them. Allergic reactions are rare , but they are possible. You should seek emergency medical attention if you develop extreme swelling or have trouble breathing.
Why is aspirin less irritating than salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid contains a phenol group, and phenols are known to be irritating. The Bayer Company replaced the phenol group with an ester group. This esterified compound (acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin) was shown to be much less irritating than salicylic acid.
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