Making a headache tablet (aspirin)
Introduction: In this report, I am going to be investigating how to produce and test the purity of
aspirin. Then, I will produce an actual sample of aspirin and test its purity to which I will be then
comparing my laboratory technique with the industrial companies.
Aspirin is an organic ester with the chemical formula C₉H₈O₄ (CH₃COO-C₆H₄COOH) and is chemically
known as acetylsalicylic acid. In 1899, a chemist discovered aspirin by adding an acetyl group to
salicylic acid, turning it into acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin is a white or off-white solid at room
temperature and is usually found in tablet form. It is commonly used to relieve discomfort, lower
body temperature, and reduce swelling or inflammation.
Health and Safety Assessment:
Salicylic acid
There were risks during this experiment because the acid used (salicylic acid) was irritating and
corrosive. Using gloves when adding the salicylic acid was important as it is hazardous if absorbed in
the skin. Therefore, it was necessary to ensure the laboratory was well ventilated and that the
appropriate PPE was worn.
Concentrated sulfuric acid
Sulfuric (VI) acid is also highly corrosive. It could be harmful if it came in contact with the eyes or skin
for long periods and could cause breathing problems. Therefore, proper ventilation was necessary in
the room at all times for safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection and
wearing gloves was used.
Ethanoic anhydride
Wearing eye protection was crucial during this experiment as the sodium carbonate solution used
was highly flammable and corrosive. It is extremely explosive, especially if it comes into contact with
sparks, heat, or flames. Also, these substances can also be harmful if inhaled or come into contact
with the skin, causing irritation. Hence, why it was important to handle them with caution and
ensure proper ventilation when using them.
Part I: Preparation
Equipment used:
● Salicylic (2-hydroxybenzenecarboxylic) acid
● 100 cm3 conical flask
● 10 cm3 measuring cylinder
● Ethanoic anhydride
● Concentrated sulfuric acid in a dropping bottle
● 400 cm3 beaker
● Tripod, gauze and Bunsen burner
1
, ● Thermometer (-10 °C to 110 °C)
● 250 cm3 beaker
● Reduced pressure filtration apparatus
● Filter paper
● Stirring rod
● Deionised or distilled water in a wash bottle
● Spatula
● 25 cm3 measuring cylinder
● Boiling tube
● Ethanol
● Kettle
● Digital mass balance
Method:
To produce a sample of aspirin, I first had to complete the preparation. To do this, I weighed out
approximately 6.00 g of salicylic acid directly into a 100 cm³ conical flask. I then recorded the mass of
salicylic acid used. Using a 10 cm³ measuring cylinder, I added 10 cm³ of ethanoic anhydride to the
flask and swirled the contents. After that, I added 5 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid to the flask
and swirled the mixture for a few minutes to ensure thorough mixing. I proceeded to warm the flask
for twenty minutes in a 400 cm³ beaker of hot water at approximately 60 °C, making sure the
temperature in the flask did not rise above 65 °C. Once the flask had cooled, I poured its contents
into 75 cm³ of water in a beaker, stirring well to precipitate the solid. I then filtered off the aspirin
under reduced pressure, taking care to avoid skin contact. Finally, I collected the crude aspirin on a
double thickness of filter paper and allowed it to dry.
Calculations:
2
Introduction: In this report, I am going to be investigating how to produce and test the purity of
aspirin. Then, I will produce an actual sample of aspirin and test its purity to which I will be then
comparing my laboratory technique with the industrial companies.
Aspirin is an organic ester with the chemical formula C₉H₈O₄ (CH₃COO-C₆H₄COOH) and is chemically
known as acetylsalicylic acid. In 1899, a chemist discovered aspirin by adding an acetyl group to
salicylic acid, turning it into acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin is a white or off-white solid at room
temperature and is usually found in tablet form. It is commonly used to relieve discomfort, lower
body temperature, and reduce swelling or inflammation.
Health and Safety Assessment:
Salicylic acid
There were risks during this experiment because the acid used (salicylic acid) was irritating and
corrosive. Using gloves when adding the salicylic acid was important as it is hazardous if absorbed in
the skin. Therefore, it was necessary to ensure the laboratory was well ventilated and that the
appropriate PPE was worn.
Concentrated sulfuric acid
Sulfuric (VI) acid is also highly corrosive. It could be harmful if it came in contact with the eyes or skin
for long periods and could cause breathing problems. Therefore, proper ventilation was necessary in
the room at all times for safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye protection and
wearing gloves was used.
Ethanoic anhydride
Wearing eye protection was crucial during this experiment as the sodium carbonate solution used
was highly flammable and corrosive. It is extremely explosive, especially if it comes into contact with
sparks, heat, or flames. Also, these substances can also be harmful if inhaled or come into contact
with the skin, causing irritation. Hence, why it was important to handle them with caution and
ensure proper ventilation when using them.
Part I: Preparation
Equipment used:
● Salicylic (2-hydroxybenzenecarboxylic) acid
● 100 cm3 conical flask
● 10 cm3 measuring cylinder
● Ethanoic anhydride
● Concentrated sulfuric acid in a dropping bottle
● 400 cm3 beaker
● Tripod, gauze and Bunsen burner
1
, ● Thermometer (-10 °C to 110 °C)
● 250 cm3 beaker
● Reduced pressure filtration apparatus
● Filter paper
● Stirring rod
● Deionised or distilled water in a wash bottle
● Spatula
● 25 cm3 measuring cylinder
● Boiling tube
● Ethanol
● Kettle
● Digital mass balance
Method:
To produce a sample of aspirin, I first had to complete the preparation. To do this, I weighed out
approximately 6.00 g of salicylic acid directly into a 100 cm³ conical flask. I then recorded the mass of
salicylic acid used. Using a 10 cm³ measuring cylinder, I added 10 cm³ of ethanoic anhydride to the
flask and swirled the contents. After that, I added 5 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid to the flask
and swirled the mixture for a few minutes to ensure thorough mixing. I proceeded to warm the flask
for twenty minutes in a 400 cm³ beaker of hot water at approximately 60 °C, making sure the
temperature in the flask did not rise above 65 °C. Once the flask had cooled, I poured its contents
into 75 cm³ of water in a beaker, stirring well to precipitate the solid. I then filtered off the aspirin
under reduced pressure, taking care to avoid skin contact. Finally, I collected the crude aspirin on a
double thickness of filter paper and allowed it to dry.
Calculations:
2
