outline a separation scheme for isolating pure aspirin.
lab video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4NMpO1xI8U
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is an effective analgesic (pain reliever), antipyretic (fever reducer) and anti-inflammatory agent and is one of the most widely used non-prescription drugs.The active ingredient in willow bark was later found to be salicylic acid. The structure of salicylic acid is shown below. Although salicylic acid was effective at reducing pain and fever, it also had some unpleasant side effects. It is irritating to the lining of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, and can cause hemorrhaging of the stomach lining.
An apirin tablet contains a small amount of aspirin (usually 300-400 mg) in a starch “binder” and sometimes contains other ingredients like caffeine and buffers. When aspirin is ingested, it is broken down to salicylic acid by the basic conditions in the small intestine and is then absorbed into the bloodstream.
Aspirin can be made by reacting salicylic acid with acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst. The phenol group on the salicylic acid forms an ester with the carboxyl group on the acetic acid. However, this reaction is slow and has a relatively low yield. If acetic anhydride is used instead of acetic acid, the reaction is much faster and has a higher yield (since acetic anhydride is much more reactive than acetic acid).
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