Isolation of the Components of BC Powder
Introduction
Aspirin, Caffeine and Salicylamide were extracted from an over-the-counter pain reliever (BC Powder). These components were separated by manipulating their solubilities by adjusting the acidity and basicity of the solution. By doing this, the three components were forced into conjugate acid (or base) forms, causing selective solubility in either an aqueous or organic solvent. These layers were then separated by use of a separation funnel. Once separated, the components extracted were characterized by measuring the melting point and performing a TLC analysis. Also, the recovered aspirin from the first part of the experiment was recrystallized and compared to that of the isolated aspirin.
Reactions
Formula MW equivalence MP (ºC) Density (g/mL)
C9H8O4 180.16 1 135 --
NaHCO3 84.01 1 50 2.20
C9H7NaO4 202.14 1 ---
H2O 18.02 1 0 1.00
CO2 44.01 1 -56.56 0.720
Formula MW equivalence MP (ºC) Density (g/mL)
C9H7NaO4 202.14 1 ---
HCl 36.46 1 114.17 0.00149
C9H8O4 180.16 1 135 --
Formula MW equivalence MP (ºC) Density (g/mL)
C10H14N4 190.24 1 236.3 1.23
HCl 36.46 1 159 0.00149
C10H15ClN4 226.71 1 ---
Formula MW equivalence MP (ºC) Density (g/mL)
C10H15ClN4 226.71 1 ---
NaOH 40.00 1 323 2.13
C10H14N4 190.24 1 236.3 1.23
NaCl 58.44 1 800.7 36
H2O 18.02 1 0.0 1.00
Experimental procedure:
Aspirin (1.30 g , 0.00722 mol), Caffeine (0.00666 g, 0.000350 mol) and Salicylamide (0.390 g, 0.00284 mol) were combined in a 100 mL beaker. To this beaker, ethyl acetate (20 mL) and saturated NaHCO3 (10 mL) were added. The organic and aqueous layers were allowed time to separate before the organic layer was removed and put aside. An additional portion of NaHCO3 solution (10 mL) was added and the separation was repeated. The aqueous layer was put aside in a beaker labeled “NaHCO3 Extract.” To the organic layer still in the separatory funnel, 3M HCl (10 mL) was