Should the management of Aspirin be altered as a result of the

adverse effects it presents?

Introduction

Aspirin is a common drug which is utilised for medicinal purposes around the globe. Furthermore,
the drug itself is a synthetic organic compound derived from the salicylic compound group
(International Aspirin Foundation, 2016). Although, aspirin may possess medicinal benefits it also
poses detrimental effects to society and the environment. Hence, an issue regarding its usage is
should the management of aspirin be altered as a result of the adverse effects it presents? This issue
is relevant on a social level as its usage is common within societies throughout the world. Likewise,
the implications of its harmful effect raise immediate concerns for the
public as their safety is of importance.

Chemical Background

Aspirin is known as acetylsalicylic acid and possesses a chemical formula of

C​9​H​8​O​4 (International
​ Aspirin Foundation, 2016). Furthermore, it is a
synthetic compound from the group of salicylates. Additionally, it is an
aromatic compound which consists of an ester and carboxylic acid
functional group (International Aspirin Foundation, 2016). Figure 1 reflects the chemical structure of
aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).

Aspirin is produced through the reaction of salicylic acid and acetic anhydride with the utilisation of
an acidic catalyst (Pillai, 2015). However, the salicylic acid necessary for this production is prepared
through a variety of different reactions. Initially, phenol (hydroxybenzene) is reacted with sodium
hydroxide to produce sodium phenoxide (Pillai, 2015).

+ NaOH → + H​2​O

C​6​H​5​OH + NaOH → C​6​H​5​ONa + H​2​O

Phenol + Sodium Hydroxide → Sodium Phenoxide + water

(Pillai, 2015)

In effect, the sodium phenoxide produced is reacted further with carbon dioxide to produce sodium

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