Experiment
The aim of the experiment was to react salicylic acid and ethanol anhydride with an acid catalyst and
then supply a sample of aspirin. We also completed the experiment with a purified sample of aspirin
and then carry out the tests for purity.
Ethanoic acid
The apparatus used:
1. Clamp and stand
2. Round bottom flask
3. Small beakers and conical flask
4. Heating mantle
5. Funnel and filter paper
6. Spatula
7. Melting point equipment
8. Glass rods
9. Suction filtration equipment
10. Condenser and rubber tubes
Method used:
1. We began with weighing out 1.0g of salicylic acid into a round bottom flask.
2. Secondly measured out 4.0 cm3 of ethanol anhydride and then this was added into the flask.
3. Then add 5 drops of phosphoric acid catalyst.
4. Set up the apparatus in the same order and style as the diagram.
5. Then leave the reaction mixture for 20 mins.
6. Once completed step 5 switch off the heating mantle and remove it and put the flask into a
beaker with cold water for it to cool.
7. Once the mixture is cool add 2cm2 of cold water to the cooled flask.
8. Add a further 2cm2 of cold water dropwise to the cooled flask.
9. Patiently wait for the crystals to appear.
10. Then filter the solid product by suction.
11. Recrystalise the crude aspirin using hot water.
The aim of the experiment was to react salicylic acid and ethanol anhydride with an acid catalyst and
then supply a sample of aspirin. We also completed the experiment with a purified sample of aspirin
and then carry out the tests for purity.
Ethanoic acid
The apparatus used:
1. Clamp and stand
2. Round bottom flask
3. Small beakers and conical flask
4. Heating mantle
5. Funnel and filter paper
6. Spatula
7. Melting point equipment
8. Glass rods
9. Suction filtration equipment
10. Condenser and rubber tubes
Method used:
1. We began with weighing out 1.0g of salicylic acid into a round bottom flask.
2. Secondly measured out 4.0 cm3 of ethanol anhydride and then this was added into the flask.
3. Then add 5 drops of phosphoric acid catalyst.
4. Set up the apparatus in the same order and style as the diagram.
5. Then leave the reaction mixture for 20 mins.
6. Once completed step 5 switch off the heating mantle and remove it and put the flask into a
beaker with cold water for it to cool.
7. Once the mixture is cool add 2cm2 of cold water to the cooled flask.
8. Add a further 2cm2 of cold water dropwise to the cooled flask.
9. Patiently wait for the crystals to appear.
10. Then filter the solid product by suction.
11. Recrystalise the crude aspirin using hot water.
