Experiment 3: Synthesis of

Aspirin
Objective: to synthesis acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) using salicyclic acid
and acetic anhydrate as a starting material
INSTRUMENTS/ APPARATUS/ CHEMICAL/
REAGENTS
CHEMICALS/ REAGENTS APPARATUS/ INSTRUMENTS
• 2g of salicyclic acid • 50mL flask
• 5.0mL of acetic anhydrate • Glass rod
• 85% phosphoric acid • 10mL of graduated cylinder
• Methanol • Glass dropper
• Ethanol • Burette clamp
• Acetone • Hot plate
• 2-propanol • 250mL beaker of water
• Acetylsalicylic acid • Vacuum pump and vacuum filtration apparatus
• Distilled water • Ice bath
• Cold distilled water • Filter paper
• Thermometer
• Test tube
PROCEDURE
Part 1: Synthesis of aspirin

Step 1:

- Measure 2.0 g of salicyclic acid - Pour it in Erlenmeyer flask

Step 2:

- Add 5.0 mL of acetic anhydrate rinse down.

- Rinse down any leftover that may be stick on a - Add 5 drops of 85% phosphoric acid solution
container wall - Swirl the mixture
Step 3:

- Prepare a hot water bath (70-80℃)

- Hold and partially submerge the 50mL flask container mixture
- Maintain the temperature until reaction complete (~15 minutes)
Step 5:

- Stir the mixture occasionally during - Remove the flask from water bath
heating - Add 2mL of distilled water
- Add another 20mL of distilled water
once the liquid stop giving off vapours
Step 6:

- Allow the mixture to cool near room - Transfer the flask to an ice bath for
temperature about 10 minutes
Filtration step
Set up the vacuum filtration apparatus
Step 7:

- Pour the mixture

- Filter the aspirin solids with vacuum suction
Step 8:

- Wash the flask and the solids with 5mL of cold distilled water
- Wash it twice and pour it again into filration vacuum
- Discard the filtrate in the sink
Step 9:

- Transfer the filter paper with the product onto the watch glass to air dry
Step 10:

- Weight the dry crystallized product on the filter paper. (Record the mass to 0.001)
- Determine the mass of dry aspirin produce.
- Record it
Part 2: Solubility test of acetylsalicylic acid
Step 1:

- Prepare a hot water bath (60-70℃)

Step 2:

- Obtain test tubes and label

Step 3:

- Select two available solvent from the lab

- Test tube 1 and 2 will contain organic solvent
- Test tube 3 will be filled by water
Step 4:

- Use 1mL of organic solvents and 2mL of water for testing.

Step 5:

- Put a small pea-sized amount of acetylsalicylic acid in the one of selected solvent
at room temperature, hot water bath and ice water bath.
Step 6:
- Repeat step 5 by using test tube 2 and 3.
- Record the observation.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
• Acetic anhydrate and sulfuric acid can cause bad burns
• Salicylic acid and aspirin may cause irritation to your skin and eyes.
SAFE PRATICES
• Safety goggles and chemical resistant gloves are a must.
• Handle the phosphoric acid and acetic anhydrate with care.
• Take care not to directly touch the chemicals.
• All chemical waste must be disposed of properly.
• The synthesis should be done under a working fume hood.