Synthesis of Aspirin By: Jon Torre Purpose: To determine which of four catalysts yields the fastest reaction rate in the acetylation of salicylic acid (1) to form acetylsalicylic acid (2). Reactions: Procedure and Results: Aspirin Synthesis Tap water was heated on a steam bath in a 250 mL beaker. The temperature of an alcohol thermometer was equilibrated in a beaker of room temperature tap water. Salicylic acid (1.00 g + 0.005 g) and acetic anhydride (2.0 mL + 0.05 mL) were […]
Transforming Bengay into Aspirin Chemical Reaction Equation Introduction The goal of this experiment is to transform bengay into acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). This process consists of 1) isolating methyl salicylate from the rest of the ointment, 2) hydrolyzing methyl salicylate, and 3) reacting the salicylic acid with acetic anhydride to form acetylsalicylic acid. Methyl salicylate and menthol are extracted by methanol because the other inactive compounds are not soluble in it. The former is then isolated through acid-base extraction since […]
Synthesis of Aspirin and Flavoring Esters By: Leah Warkel and Matt Glattfelder Introduction An ester is an organic compound that is formed by combining a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.1 It has the general formula R-CO-OR’.2 If an alcohol undergoes a condensation reaction, an ester is formed. This is reversible however, so if an ester undergoes hydrolysis, an alcohol is formed.1 A condensation reaction is when a molecule combines with another molecule to produce a larger molecule and a smaller […]
Purpose The purpose of this lab was to synthesize Aspirin and measure the synthesized Aspirin’s purity. By calculating the theoretical yield based on the original amount of Salicylic acid, one could determine the actual yield percentage of the reaction. By measuring the melting point of the synthesized substance as well as taking a UV spectroscopy, it is then possible to measure the purity of the synthesized compound as well. With the yield percentage and the purity of the product, one […]
Written by Katie Introduction Methyl Salicylate is a naturally occurring chemical that is obtained from winter green oil that can be used to synthesize Salicylic Acid. Methyl Salicylate is a phenol with a acetyl group in the ortho position. This carbonyl group can undergo typical carbonyl addition-elimination reactions. An addition elimination reaction occurs at the carbonyl carbon where a nucleophile attacks the highly electrophilic carbonyl carbon. The carbonyl carbon is more electrophilic than the other carbons because the double bonded […]
The purpose of this experiment was to practice technique and acid-base extraction by separating and purifying the components of a common analgesic tablet. Analysis The purpose of this experiment was to separate and purify the components of an analgesic tablet. Furthermore, the separations allowed for practice of acid-base extractions. This experiment tested laboratory technique, considering that the pill used, Excedrin, contains only milligrams of the drugs to be separated: acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin (see Table A for acid/base comparison by […]
