Date Report Written: 08/02/2009
Synthesis of Acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin)
Abstract
Introduction:
The following report contains information on how to produce aspirin. The experiment has been carried out on a small laboratory scale. The experiment starts by combining such chemicals such as salicylic acid and acetic anhydride. The synthesis of aspirin is classified as an esterification reaction. This is a substitution reaction where the alcohol group from salicylic acid reacts with ascetic anhydride to form an ester, (acetylsalicylic acid) which is commonly known as Aspirin.
The report progresses further giving details to the procedure carried out and the experimental technique that has been developed to show how aspirin is produced.
The report tests the melting point of the aspirin produced compared to textbook values as tests the amount of yield produced. The report also mentions how there are factors in the production of aspirin and how they affect the yield and purity. These can be found under the hypothesis subheading. As the report progresses the answers to the hypothesis become clear. The report then approaches to the hazards and risk analysis of the chemicals involved in the experiment and how precautions are taken to reduce these risks. The original data and obtained data are revealed, and then they are discussed with thorough interpretations along with conclusions made, as well as recommendations. Any information that is included in the report will be referenced at the end.
Hypothesis:
The following hypothesis will be tested: ➢ What is the actual yield produced in the experiment compared to the theoretical yield? ➢ Why are the reasons for this yield? ➢ What is the melting point of aspirin? ➢ What is the solubility of Aspirin in water? ➢ How is this affected by temperature changes? ➢ What are the major differences between your experimental process and the