Synthesis of Aspirin and Oil of Wintergreen Essay Example
Synthesis of Aspirin and Oil of Wintergreen
Janelle Alyssa P. Prudente
De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines
ABSTRACT
In this experiment, acetylsalicylic acid commonly known as aspirin and methyl salicylate, commonly known as oil of wintergreen, was synthesized from salicylic acid. This study will show that it is possible to show two very different organic compounds from the same common starting material. For the synthesis of aspirin, salicylic acid was mixed with one drop of 85% H2SO4 and 0.3mL of acetic anhydride. The collected aspirin was obtained by means of vacuum filtration. For the synthesis of methyl salicylate, 0.25g of salicylic acid was mixed with 2.0mL of methanol and ten drops of concentrated H2SO4. The collected products were tested with FeCl3 test, both resulting to a positive reaction.
INTRODUCTION
Organic molecules are distinguished by the difference in the structure of atoms, such as how alcohols contain a carbon atom bond to an OH group, e.g. methyl alcohol in CH3OH. Both aspirin and oil of wintergreen are esters. Esters are organic compounds which contain the molecular connectivity that expresses the pleasant fragrances and aromas they have, which can be observed in fruits and flowers. In modern times, the cosmetic industry has employed the use of esters in the production of self-care and vanity products such as perfumes and make-ups. This can also be noted in food and pharmaceutical industries that make use of esters in flavouring agents both in solid and liquid products.
Aspirins, known chemically as acetylsalicylic acid, are the most widely utilized medical compound worldwide used as pain relievers and anti-pyretics. A regular strength tablet contains 325mg of acetylsalicylic,held together with an inert binder. The compounds present in aspirins are said to inhibit the production of rostaglandins that are used in the perception of pain. Common aspirins found in drugstores are
Janelle Alyssa P. Prudente
De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines
ABSTRACT
In this experiment, acetylsalicylic acid commonly known as aspirin and methyl salicylate, commonly known as oil of wintergreen, was synthesized from salicylic acid. This study will show that it is possible to show two very different organic compounds from the same common starting material. For the synthesis of aspirin, salicylic acid was mixed with one drop of 85% H2SO4 and 0.3mL of acetic anhydride. The collected aspirin was obtained by means of vacuum filtration. For the synthesis of methyl salicylate, 0.25g of salicylic acid was mixed with 2.0mL of methanol and ten drops of concentrated H2SO4. The collected products were tested with FeCl3 test, both resulting to a positive reaction.
INTRODUCTION
Organic molecules are distinguished by the difference in the structure of atoms, such as how alcohols contain a carbon atom bond to an OH group, e.g. methyl alcohol in CH3OH. Both aspirin and oil of wintergreen are esters. Esters are organic compounds which contain the molecular connectivity that expresses the pleasant fragrances and aromas they have, which can be observed in fruits and flowers. In modern times, the cosmetic industry has employed the use of esters in the production of self-care and vanity products such as perfumes and make-ups. This can also be noted in food and pharmaceutical industries that make use of esters in flavouring agents both in solid and liquid products.
Aspirins, known chemically as acetylsalicylic acid, are the most widely utilized medical compound worldwide used as pain relievers and anti-pyretics. A regular strength tablet contains 325mg of acetylsalicylic,held together with an inert binder. The compounds present in aspirins are said to inhibit the production of rostaglandins that are used in the perception of pain. Common aspirins found in drugstores are