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12: Synthesis of Aspirin

  • Page ID
    306797
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    • 12.1: Synthesis of Aspirin Lab Procedure
      This page describes the synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid using acetic anhydride, detailing necessary materials, procedures, and safety precautions, including purification methods. It emphasizes the assessment of product purity via Ferric Chloride and melting point measurement.
    • 12.2: Synthesis of Aspirin Pre-lab Assignment
      This page outlines the determination of the molar mass of salicylic and acetylsalicylic acids, including essential calculations for accuracy. It discusses the theoretical yield of acetylsalicylic acid from 2.01 g of salicylic acid using excess acetic anhydride. Safety precautions are emphasized to maintain a safe laboratory environment during the experiment.
    • 12.R: Synthesis of Aspirin (Report)
      This page outlines the synthesis and purification of aspirin, emphasizing mass measurements and yield calculations. It describes the Ferric Chloride Test for evaluating purity in salicylic acid, crude, and recrystallized aspirin. The importance of washing aspirin with cold water is discussed, alongside potential degradation in stored aspirin and related chemical reactions that may affect its quality.

    Adapted from

    “LibreTexts Online Chemistry Lab Manual: Synthesis of Aspirin (Experiment)” by James Chickos, David Garin, and Valerian D'Souza. University of Missouri– St. Louis; Chemistry) and is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US


    This page titled 12: Synthesis of Aspirin is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Safiyyah Forbes and Patrick McKay via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.