Unit 4 synthesising an aspirin
In this report I will be exploring manufacturing techniques and testing methodologies for an organic
solid. Aspirin is anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is used to treat inflammation and relieve pain.
taking aspirin, on other hand can have some detrimental consequences on your body.
Aspirin also known as, acetylsalicylic acid is known for a millennium and was first synthesised in a
laboratory by Felix Hoffman in 1893.Aspirin is synthesised from acetic anhydride + salicylic acid =
Aspirin + acetic acid. It is a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which has medicinal
properties such as: being a pain reliver, reduces inflammation, reduces fever, and thins blood.
Because aspirin thins blood doctors may recommend this drug to prevent heart attacks and strokes
to people who are at high risks. However apart from these benefits, Aspirin could also have many
harmful side effects as if consumed more than the recommended amount it can irritate the stomach
lining from all the acidity forming small pores known as ulcers therefore it is not advised for people
who have stomach ulcers as it could make the condition worse. Essentially, this is partially because
salicylic acid, being a diprotic acid, releases two hydronium ions when it dissolves in water, which
causes the solution to be more acidic than if the same number of monoprotic acid molecules were
added to water. In water, monoprotic acid dissolves and releases one hydronium ion.
The aim of this experiment is to synthesis aspirin using Acetic anhydride and Salicylic acid, and to
calculate the yield of aspirin produced.
Chemicals utilised:
Salicylic acid (solid)
Ethanoate anhydrate
Sulphuric acid
Distilled water with ethyl alcohol
Acetic anhydride
Equipment utilised: beaker, test tubes, balance, dropper, graduated cylinder, thermometer, hot
plate, Mel-temp apparatus, stirring rod, scoopula, watch glass, Buchner funnel, two pieces filter
paper, wash bottle, desiccator with silica.
, Beaker test tubes balance
Dropper graduated cylinder thermometer
Hot plate
scoopula
Mel-temp
Stirring rod watch glass Buchner funnel
filter paper wash bottle desiccator with silica
Safety precautions: swear safety goggles – so chemicals do not get into the eye and also chemical
fumes, wear a lab coat, wear gloves so chemicals do not irritate the skin, tie up long hair, tuck in any
loose items, not leaving the hot plate unattended.
Risk assessments
Stage Risk Minimising risk regulations
