Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their Application
Unit 4C: Explore manufacturing techniques and testing methods for an organic
solid
Vocational Scenario:
I am a lab technician working in the research and development department of a pharmaceutical
company. One of the products made by the company is aspirin. I am investigating how to produce and
test the purity of aspirin so that the company can make it efficiently. I will produce a sample of aspirin
and test its purity. I will have to compare your laboratory technique with the industrial process used by
the pharmaceutical company to manufacture aspirin on a large scale.
Introduction:
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a widely used medication with a history that dates back over
a century. It is one of the most commonly used drugs globally due to its diverse range of therapeutic
properties. Aspirin plays a crucial role in pain management, inflammation reduction, and cardiovascular
health.
Uses of aspirin:
1. Pain relief: Aspirin is an effective tablet, often used to relieve minor aches and pains such as
headaches, muscle pain, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.
2. Anti-inflammatory: As an anti-inflammatory agent, aspirin helps reduce inflammation in
conditions such as arthritis, where it alleviates joint pain and swelling.
3. Fever reduction: Aspirin has antipyretic properties, making it useful for reducing fever in various
illnesses.
4. Cardiovascular health: Aspirin is renowned for its ability to prevent blood clots. Low-dose
aspirin therapy is often prescribed for individuals at risk of heart attacks and strokes. It works by
inhibiting platelet aggregation, thus preventing the formation of clots that can block blood
vessels.
5. Preventive therapy: In some cases, aspirin is used as a preventive measure in patients with a
history of cardiovascular events or those who are at high risk.
Chemical formula and structure:
Aspirin's chemical name is acetylsalicylic acid, and its molecular formula is C9H8O4. Its structure consists
of a benzene ring with two functional groups attached: an acetyl group (COCH3) and a carboxyl group
(COOH).
The chemical structure of aspirin can be shown like this:
, Image reference: https://byjus.com/chemistry/acetylsalicylic-acid/
Aspirin is synthesised through the esterification of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride, producing
acetylsalicylic acid and acetic acid as a byproduct. This synthesis method was developed by Felix
Hoffmann at Bayer in 1897, marking the beginning of aspirin's widespread use.
Industrial manufacture of aspirin:
Introduction:
Industrial manufacturing of aspirin was originally done by Bayer in 1899 and that process has since
evolved significantly into a quicker process. Industrial manufacturing is a batch process meaning that it is
produced in large quantities than it would be produced in a school lab for example as it is in a higher
demand, and it wouldn't make sense to make so little of it meaning there would be a loss of money.
Raw materials:
Salicylic acid
Acetic anhydride
Sulfuric acid or Phosphoric acid
Corn starch
Magnesium stearate
Ethanol
Purified water
Equipment used:
Reactor vessel
Vacuum filtration system or Filter press
Mixing machine (Glen mixer)
