Question

What type of reaction is used to produce aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic acid?

Short answer

The synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic acid is an Esterification reaction. In this process, an acid (acetic acid) reacts with an alcohol (the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid) to produce an ester (aspirin) and a byproduct (acetic anhydride).

Step-by-step solution

Write down the reactants and products

To identify the type of reaction, we first need to write out the reactants and products. In this case, we know that the reactants are salicylic acid and acetic acid. The product is aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. Reactants: Salicylic acid and Acetic acid Product: Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid)

Write down the balanced chemical equation

Now we should write down the balanced chemical equation for this reaction. Salicylic acid + Acetic acid → Aspirin + Acetic anhydride In its structural formula, it would be: \(C_7H_6O_3 + C_2H_4O_2 \rightarrow C_9H_8O_4 + C_2H_3O_2\)

Identify the type of reaction

From the balanced chemical equation and the structural formula, we can now identify the type of reaction. This reaction in which one functional group of a reactant molecule reacts with the another functional group of another reactant molecule to form a larger molecule as the product is called an Esterification reaction. The process produces an ester (aspirin) and a byproduct (acetic anhydride) when an acid (acetic acid) reacts with an alcohol (the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid). So, the synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic acid is an example of an Esterification reaction.

Key concepts

Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions are the processes in which substances, known as reactants, transform into new substances called products. During this transformation, chemical bonds break and form, leading to a change in the chemical composition and often the physical state of the matter involved.

In the context of organic chemistry, chemical reactions can be classified into different types such as addition, elimination, substitution, and rearrangement reactions. Another important type, particularly relevant here, is the esterification reaction. This specific process is characterized by the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol to produce an ester and water, or in some cases, another byproduct.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is a fundamental skill in chemistry that ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld in a chemical reaction. This means that the number of atoms for each element must be the same on both the reactant and product sides of an equation.

To balance a chemical equation, one must adjust the coefficients that precede chemical formulas to get an equal number of atoms for each element in the reactants and the products. Properly balanced equations are crucial for calculating the quantities of reactants needed and products formed in a chemical reaction.

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on carbon-containing compounds. Carbon atoms have the unique ability to form strong covalent bonds with other carbons and a variety of other elements, accounting for the vast diversity of organic compounds.

Within organic chemistry, there are various functional groups such as alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, and others that give these compounds distinct properties and reactivity. Esterification is an important organic reaction since esters are widely used in pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and as solvents, exemplified by the synthesis of aspirin, a common ester-based drug used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Synthesis of Aspirin

The synthesis of aspirin is a classic example of an esterification reaction used in chemistry labs to demonstrate the preparation of an ester from an acid and an alcohol. In this synthesis, salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride to form aspirin, scientific name acetylsalicylic acid, and a byproduct, typically acetic acid or acetic anhydride.

This reaction occurs under acidic conditions, often with a catalyst like sulfuric acid to speed up the process. The creation of aspirin not only serves as a practical application of organic chemistry concepts but also plays a significant role in the medical field as aspirin is widely manufactured for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.