The Preparation of Acetylsalicylic Acid
Aim: Accurately Compose and Examine the purity of Acetylsalicylic Acid
Introduction:
As it is comprised of two or more elements, acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as
aspirin is formulated when two substances are chemically combined. These substances
are 2-hydroxybezenecarboxylic acid and ethanoic anhydride. Phosphoric acid is utilised
as a catalyst, to accelerate the rate of reaction.
Acetylsalicylic acid (CH3COOC6H4COOH) can be identified as an antipyretic compound.
Distinguished by the vinegar like smell it emits in when made in large quantities, aspirin
is utilised to
i. Relieve Pain
ii. Reduce the symptoms of a Fever
iii. Decrease Inflammation (when used in high dosage)
iv. Prevent Blood Clot, and Strokes
In this experiment, one will focus on the formulation, development, and testing of
acetylsalicylic acid.
Equipment Used
1. 2-hdroxybezenecarboxylic acid
A lipophilic monohydroxybenzoic acid that will be utilised as a reactant
2. Acetylsalicylic acid
Product that is produced at the end of the reaction.
3. Bottom Flask (Round)
This is a cylinder container with a small mouth, and a round base. It will be used
to hold, heat, and stir liquids.
4. Boling Tube
A cylindrical vessel used to heat substances in the presence of a Bunsen Burner.
5. Conical Flask
A glass container that has a flat bottom, cylinder neck, and a conical body. It is
used to collect two-thirds of the finalised mixture.
6. Reflux Condenser
It permits the vapor from the mixture from the vapor to be condensed into liquid
form, and collected.
7. Clamp Stand
Used to hold test-tubes and flasks in place.
8. Ethanoic Anhydride
A chemical compound that will utilised as a reactant.
9. Filter Paper
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, A semi-permeable paper barrier used to allow liquid substances to escape into a
flask or beaker, while the desired product stays on-top.
10. Glass Rod
A lengthened thick rod, used to mix substances.
11. Ice Bath
Comprised of a container filled with ice, it is used to lower the temperature of the
formulated acetylsalicylic acid.
12. Phosphoric Acid
A crystalline liquid that will act as a catalyst, speeding up the rate od reaction
without being used.
13. Vacuum Filtration Set
It utilises a Buchner funnel and a side-arm flask, in order to collect the (solid)
product.
14. Watch Glass
A circular concave glass, where the crystals will be left on, in order for them to
properly dry.
15. Wire Gauze
A sheet of thin metal that is placed between the Bunsen burner and glassware as
to provide support.
16. Spatula
Used to collect powder, or small granules.
Risk Assessment
Hazardous Chemicals or Nature of Hazard Control Measures
Objects Being Used
1) Bunsen Burner If mishandled, it can The teacher should
burn an individual’s skin. demonstrate the proper
way to handle the
Very high-risk if near Bunsen Burner.
flammable objects. Can
cause them to combust, Make sure there are no
risking the environment, flammable objects
and the people in it. placed in close vicinity
with the Bunsen Burner.
Wear Personal Protective
Equipment, as they will
act as a first layer of
skin, reducing the
amount of damage on
may have if faced with
these risks.
Hazardous Chemicals or Nature of Hazard Control Measures
Objects Being Used
2) Concentrated Phosphoric Can cause irritation of Wear Personal Protective
2|Page
Aim: Accurately Compose and Examine the purity of Acetylsalicylic Acid
Introduction:
As it is comprised of two or more elements, acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as
aspirin is formulated when two substances are chemically combined. These substances
are 2-hydroxybezenecarboxylic acid and ethanoic anhydride. Phosphoric acid is utilised
as a catalyst, to accelerate the rate of reaction.
Acetylsalicylic acid (CH3COOC6H4COOH) can be identified as an antipyretic compound.
Distinguished by the vinegar like smell it emits in when made in large quantities, aspirin
is utilised to
i. Relieve Pain
ii. Reduce the symptoms of a Fever
iii. Decrease Inflammation (when used in high dosage)
iv. Prevent Blood Clot, and Strokes
In this experiment, one will focus on the formulation, development, and testing of
acetylsalicylic acid.
Equipment Used
1. 2-hdroxybezenecarboxylic acid
A lipophilic monohydroxybenzoic acid that will be utilised as a reactant
2. Acetylsalicylic acid
Product that is produced at the end of the reaction.
3. Bottom Flask (Round)
This is a cylinder container with a small mouth, and a round base. It will be used
to hold, heat, and stir liquids.
4. Boling Tube
A cylindrical vessel used to heat substances in the presence of a Bunsen Burner.
5. Conical Flask
A glass container that has a flat bottom, cylinder neck, and a conical body. It is
used to collect two-thirds of the finalised mixture.
6. Reflux Condenser
It permits the vapor from the mixture from the vapor to be condensed into liquid
form, and collected.
7. Clamp Stand
Used to hold test-tubes and flasks in place.
8. Ethanoic Anhydride
A chemical compound that will utilised as a reactant.
9. Filter Paper
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, A semi-permeable paper barrier used to allow liquid substances to escape into a
flask or beaker, while the desired product stays on-top.
10. Glass Rod
A lengthened thick rod, used to mix substances.
11. Ice Bath
Comprised of a container filled with ice, it is used to lower the temperature of the
formulated acetylsalicylic acid.
12. Phosphoric Acid
A crystalline liquid that will act as a catalyst, speeding up the rate od reaction
without being used.
13. Vacuum Filtration Set
It utilises a Buchner funnel and a side-arm flask, in order to collect the (solid)
product.
14. Watch Glass
A circular concave glass, where the crystals will be left on, in order for them to
properly dry.
15. Wire Gauze
A sheet of thin metal that is placed between the Bunsen burner and glassware as
to provide support.
16. Spatula
Used to collect powder, or small granules.
Risk Assessment
Hazardous Chemicals or Nature of Hazard Control Measures
Objects Being Used
1) Bunsen Burner If mishandled, it can The teacher should
burn an individual’s skin. demonstrate the proper
way to handle the
Very high-risk if near Bunsen Burner.
flammable objects. Can
cause them to combust, Make sure there are no
risking the environment, flammable objects
and the people in it. placed in close vicinity
with the Bunsen Burner.
Wear Personal Protective
Equipment, as they will
act as a first layer of
skin, reducing the
amount of damage on
may have if faced with
these risks.
Hazardous Chemicals or Nature of Hazard Control Measures
Objects Being Used
2) Concentrated Phosphoric Can cause irritation of Wear Personal Protective
2|Page
