preview

Experiment : Synthesis Of Aspirin

Satisfactory Essays

Sabreen Hamed
October 6th, 2014
Experiment 5: Synthesis of Aspirin
Abstract:
In today’s experiment, aspirin was synthesized using salicylic acid, acetic anhydride, a catalyst (concentrated sulfuric acid), and water. The main goal of this experiment was to synthesize pure aspirin. Another goal was to test aspirin’s purity by running a TLC and getting a melting point test done. Also, calculations of the theoretical yield and percent yield were done. The final product (aspirin) percent yield was 18.247% yield

Introduction: Aspirin is a very important, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drug that’s used world wide to relieve aches like headaches, joint pain, and muscle pain. It’s a really popular pain killer especially in third world countries since it’s affordable and one of the over-the-counter drugs.

People have been using the willow tree for centuries for pain relief but it wasn’t until “1829, scientists discovered that it was the compound salicin in willow plants that gave pain relief. It was a short time later that a tiny amount of bitter tasting, yellow, needle-like crystals were isolated from willow bark by Johann Buchner, professor of pharmacy at the University of Munich. By 1829, a French chemist improved the extraction procedure and was able to obtain about 30g from 1.5kg of bark. In 1838, an Italian

Get Access