Aspirin Synthesis
Introduction:
In this report, I will be discussing what aspirin is and what it is used for. I will also be carrying
out an experiment by producing my own aspirin. The main objective of this experiment is to
synthesise aspirin through the esterification of salicylic acid and acetic anhydride using
phosphoric acid as a catalyst. I will be discussing my results and my opinions on the
outcome.
What is Aspirin and What is it Used For?
Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that is most often manufactured as a tablet and has a
number of different uses. Aspirin is able to relieve pain and reduce the risk of critical
conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. This is possible because the aspirin drug
makes the blood thinner so as to prevent clots where they’re not needed. It can also be used
for less serious issues such as headaches, toothaches and the common cold.
Equipment:
● Salicylic Acid
● Acetic Anhydride
● Phosphoric Acid
● Conical Flask
● Measuring Cylinder
● Fume Cupboard
● Filter Paper
● Watch Glass
● Thermometer
● Deionised Water
● Capillary Tube
● Melting Point Apparatus
● Ice
Risk Assessment:
Hazard Risk Action
Salicylic Acid Chemical burns, eye and Wear PPE
skin irritation
Acetic Anhydride Could cause skin Wear PPE
irritation, eye damage, is
highly corrosive chemical
Glassware Shattered glass, may cut Wear PPE, Be careful
skin and cause wounds using glassware
, Procedure:
1. Weigh out 3.0 g of salicylic acid and place in a 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask.
2. Measure out 6.0 ml of acetic anhydride and add this to your flask. Be sure to
do this in the FUME CUPBOARD and wear your goggles.
Don't let the acetic anhydride contact your skin and don't get the
vapours in your eyes.
3. Still in the FUME CUPBOARD, Carefully add 5 to 10 drops of 85%
phosphoric acid, a catalyst, to the flask and swirl to mix everything thoroughly.
4. Still in the FUME CUPBOARD, heat the mixture for about 10 min. in a beaker
of warm water (70-80 oC).
5. After heating, cautiously add 20 drops of distilled water.
6. Next add 20 ml of distilled water and cool in an ice bath. You can do this at
your bench. If crystals do not appear, you can scratch the walls of the flask
with a stirring rod to induce crystallization.
7.
8. Set up your Buchner funnel and pre weigh your piece of filter paper.
Introduction:
In this report, I will be discussing what aspirin is and what it is used for. I will also be carrying
out an experiment by producing my own aspirin. The main objective of this experiment is to
synthesise aspirin through the esterification of salicylic acid and acetic anhydride using
phosphoric acid as a catalyst. I will be discussing my results and my opinions on the
outcome.
What is Aspirin and What is it Used For?
Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that is most often manufactured as a tablet and has a
number of different uses. Aspirin is able to relieve pain and reduce the risk of critical
conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. This is possible because the aspirin drug
makes the blood thinner so as to prevent clots where they’re not needed. It can also be used
for less serious issues such as headaches, toothaches and the common cold.
Equipment:
● Salicylic Acid
● Acetic Anhydride
● Phosphoric Acid
● Conical Flask
● Measuring Cylinder
● Fume Cupboard
● Filter Paper
● Watch Glass
● Thermometer
● Deionised Water
● Capillary Tube
● Melting Point Apparatus
● Ice
Risk Assessment:
Hazard Risk Action
Salicylic Acid Chemical burns, eye and Wear PPE
skin irritation
Acetic Anhydride Could cause skin Wear PPE
irritation, eye damage, is
highly corrosive chemical
Glassware Shattered glass, may cut Wear PPE, Be careful
skin and cause wounds using glassware
, Procedure:
1. Weigh out 3.0 g of salicylic acid and place in a 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask.
2. Measure out 6.0 ml of acetic anhydride and add this to your flask. Be sure to
do this in the FUME CUPBOARD and wear your goggles.
Don't let the acetic anhydride contact your skin and don't get the
vapours in your eyes.
3. Still in the FUME CUPBOARD, Carefully add 5 to 10 drops of 85%
phosphoric acid, a catalyst, to the flask and swirl to mix everything thoroughly.
4. Still in the FUME CUPBOARD, heat the mixture for about 10 min. in a beaker
of warm water (70-80 oC).
5. After heating, cautiously add 20 drops of distilled water.
6. Next add 20 ml of distilled water and cool in an ice bath. You can do this at
your bench. If crystals do not appear, you can scratch the walls of the flask
with a stirring rod to induce crystallization.
7.
8. Set up your Buchner funnel and pre weigh your piece of filter paper.
