Esterification Lab Report
Title: Esterification
Objective: To synthesis acetylsalicylic acid by esterification.
Introduction:
A pleasant, often fruity, odor is characteristic of some of the simpler esters. Ethyl butyrate smells similar to pineapples, the odor of n-propyl acetate is reminiscent of pears and isopentyl acetate has a strong banana fragrance.
Esters are derivatives of the carboxylic acids and contain the following functional group:
The synthesis of an ester can be accomplished in one of several ways. An esterification occurs when an alcohol and a carboxylic acid are reacted in the presence of a mineral acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid. Because these reactions result in an equilibrium mixture of both products and reactants, the reaction conditions must be …show more content…
Like all drugs, aspirin also has some undesirable side effects which should be noted. When taken in large quantities (several grams per day), gastric problems can result. Its use has been implicated in Reyes syndrome, a brain disorder that can affect people under the age of 18. Some people are highly allergic to aspirin. Finally, aspirin interferes with platelets and affects normal blood clotting which can lead to hemorrhaging in extreme cases. However, its anticoagulant properties can also be used to advantage in preventing blood clots from forming in the arteries. Recent studies have shown that the consumption of one half of an aspirin tablet per day can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin can be synthesized by the esterification of salicylic acid via reaction with acetic anhydride. A few drops of phosphoric acid are added to serve as a catalyst for the reaction. The use of acetic anhydride as a reactant, instead of acetic acid, results in a rapid and irreversible conversion of salicylic acid to acetylsalicylic acid.
Experimental Procedure:
Synthesis of acetylsalicylic
Objective: To synthesis acetylsalicylic acid by esterification.
Introduction:
A pleasant, often fruity, odor is characteristic of some of the simpler esters. Ethyl butyrate smells similar to pineapples, the odor of n-propyl acetate is reminiscent of pears and isopentyl acetate has a strong banana fragrance.
Esters are derivatives of the carboxylic acids and contain the following functional group:
The synthesis of an ester can be accomplished in one of several ways. An esterification occurs when an alcohol and a carboxylic acid are reacted in the presence of a mineral acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid. Because these reactions result in an equilibrium mixture of both products and reactants, the reaction conditions must be …show more content…
Like all drugs, aspirin also has some undesirable side effects which should be noted. When taken in large quantities (several grams per day), gastric problems can result. Its use has been implicated in Reyes syndrome, a brain disorder that can affect people under the age of 18. Some people are highly allergic to aspirin. Finally, aspirin interferes with platelets and affects normal blood clotting which can lead to hemorrhaging in extreme cases. However, its anticoagulant properties can also be used to advantage in preventing blood clots from forming in the arteries. Recent studies have shown that the consumption of one half of an aspirin tablet per day can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin can be synthesized by the esterification of salicylic acid via reaction with acetic anhydride. A few drops of phosphoric acid are added to serve as a catalyst for the reaction. The use of acetic anhydride as a reactant, instead of acetic acid, results in a rapid and irreversible conversion of salicylic acid to acetylsalicylic acid.
Experimental Procedure:
Synthesis of acetylsalicylic