The document outlines a chemistry investigatory project focused on the synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. It details the materials required, the theoretical background, a step-by-step procedure for the synthesis, observations, results, and precautions to take during the experiment. The project aims to demonstrate the esterification reaction and assess the yield and purity of the synthesized aspirin.
The document outlines a chemistry investigatory project focused on the synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. It details the materials required, the theoretical background, a step-by-step procedure for the synthesis, observations, results, and precautions to take during the experiment. The project aims to demonstrate the esterification reaction and assess the yield and purity of the synthesized aspirin.
The document outlines a chemistry investigatory project focused on the synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. It details the materials required, the theoretical background, a step-by-step procedure for the synthesis, observations, results, and precautions to take during the experiment. The project aims to demonstrate the esterification reaction and assess the yield and purity of the synthesized aspirin.
The document outlines a chemistry investigatory project focused on the synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. It details the materials required, the theoretical background, a step-by-step procedure for the synthesis, observations, results, and precautions to take during the experiment. The project aims to demonstrate the esterification reaction and assess the yield and purity of the synthesized aspirin.
It is my privilege to express my most sincere regards to all
who directly or indirectly helped me complete my project. I, hereby, declare my sincere gratitude towards my Chemistry Teacher Mrs Kusum Ma’am for her valuable efforts, encouragement and heartfelt corporation that helped my complete my project. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my teachers, parents and friends who have helped me with their valuable suggestions and guidance has been important for this project to be completed. INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
Title: Preparation of Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)
Objective: To synthesize aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride using a catalyst (sulfuric acid), and to determine its purity.
Materials Required: Chemicals: o Salicylic acid (C₇H₆O₃) o Acetic anhydride (C₄H₆O₃) o Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) o Water o Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) for neutralization o Ethanol or acetone (optional, for recrystallization) Apparatus: o Conical flask o Beaker o Measuring cylinder o Stirring rod o Buchner funnel (for filtration) o Glass rod or thermometer o Ice bath o Watch glass o Filter paper
Theory: Aspirin is synthesized by the esterification reaction between salicylic acid and acetic anhydride, in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid, which acts as a catalyst. The reaction can be written as: Salicylic Acid (C₇H₆O₃)+Acetic Anhydride (C₄H₆O₃)→H₂SO₄Aspirin (C₉H₈O₄)+Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH)\text{Salicylic Acid (C₇H₆O₃)} + \text{Acetic Anhydride (C₄H₆O₃)} \xrightarrow{\text{H₂SO₄}} \text{Aspirin (C₉H₈O₄)} + \text{Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH)}
The process involves an esterification reaction where acetic anhydride reacts with the hydroxyl group (-OH) of salicylic acid to form aspirin and acetic acid.
Procedure: Step 1: Preparation of Reaction Mixture
1. Weighing the Reactants:
o Weigh about 2.0 g of salicylic acid and transfer it to a clean, dry conical flask. o Measure about 5 mL of acetic anhydride using a measuring cylinder and add it to the flask containing salicylic acid. o Add 1-2 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid to the mixture (acts as a catalyst).
Step 2: Heating the Mixture
2. Heat the Mixture:
o Place the conical flask in a water bath at 60–70°C for about 10–15 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally. o You will notice the reaction happening as the mixture will begin to clear up.
Step 3: Completion of Reaction
3. Cool the Reaction Mixture:
o Once the reaction is complete, remove the flask from the water bath and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Precipitation of Aspirin
4. Add Water: o Add 20–30 mL of distilled water to the reaction mixture to hydrolyze any unreacted acetic anhydride and acetic acid. o The aspirin will precipitate out as solid crystals.
Step 5: Filtration
5. Filtration and Purification:
o Filter the precipitate using a Buchner funnel and filter paper to separate the solid aspirin. o Wash the solid with cold distilled water to remove any impurities.
Step 6: Drying
6. Dry the Aspirin:
o Allow the purified aspirin crystals to dry by spreading them on a watch glass or use an oven at a low temperature (if available).
Step 7: Recrystallization (Optional)
7. Recrystallize the Aspirin (Optional but recommended for purity):
o Dissolve the crude aspirin in a small amount of hot ethanol or acetone. o Slowly cool the solution to room temperature to allow pure aspirin crystals to form. o Filter and dry the crystals as before.
Observations: Initially, the reaction mixture will be cloudy due to the presence of salicylic acid and acetic anhydride. After heating and cooling, a white solid (aspirin) will form. On filtration, the aspirin crystals are obtained. The color and texture of the aspirin can be observed and noted.
Results: Yield of Aspirin: Calculate the yield of aspirin obtained after filtration and drying. Purity: Discuss the purity of the product. If recrystallization was performed, the yield would be purer.
Calculations: 1. Molar Mass of Salicylic Acid = 138.12 g/mol 2. Molar Mass of Acetic Anhydride = 102.09 g/mol 3. Molar Mass of Aspirin = 180.16 g/mol 4. Theoretical Yield: o Based on the amount of salicylic acid used, calculate the theoretical yield of aspirin.
Conclusion: The experiment successfully demonstrates the synthesis of aspirin through an esterification reaction. The yield and purity can be compared with theoretical values. By comparing the melting point or performing a qualitative test (like Ferric chloride test for salicylic acid) on the product, the purity can be further assessed.
Precautions: Handle concentrated sulfuric acid carefully, as it is highly corrosive. Ensure proper ventilation while heating the mixture, as acetic anhydride can release fumes. Use an ice bath or cool water when neutralizing the excess acid.
References: NCERT Chemistry Textbook for Class XII. This project will help in understanding the practical applications of esterification reactions, and how they relate to real-life drug synthesis.
