aspirin-intro

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The purpose of this lab is synthesize and purify the commonly known organic compound aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, or 2-acetyloxybenzoic acid) used as a pain and fever-reducer. Salicylic acid is the major impurity of crude aspirin. It is an extract of willow bark and often and is used as the active ingredient in several acne treatment medications. Salicylic acid can penetrate pores and clean skin, but also is a harsh enough chemical that it can cause redness, peeling, and dry skin ( [] ). Salicylic acid on its own has medicinal properties, but it is too harsh to ingest. Aspirin uses the medicinal properties of salicylic acid but without the side effects of unpleasant taste or irritation of the mucous membranes (Preparation of Aspirin and Acetaminophen handout).

In this lab, we will first synthesize crude aspirin by reacting salicylic acid with acetic anhydride. We will then purify the aspirin to remove any remaining salicylic acid and recrystallize the purified aspirin. Our aspirin's melting point will be measured, and IR and NMR spectra will be obtained to determine the purity of our product.