Formal Lab Report

Prepared by: [Your Name]

Institution: [Your Company Name]

Date: [Date]

I. Abstract

Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Aspirin

This experiment aimed to synthesize acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride and to characterize the product using melting point determination and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The synthesis was successful, yielding aspirin with a melting point consistent with literature values. IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of acetylsalicylic acid, indicating successful synthesis.

II. Introduction

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a widely used analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug. It is synthesized through the esterification of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride, catalyzed by sulfuric acid. This experiment aimed to synthesize aspirin and confirm its structure using melting point analysis and IR spectroscopy.

III. Materials

• Salicylic acid

• Acetic anhydride

• Sulfuric acid (catalyst)

• Distilled water

• Ethanol

• Ice bath

• Melting point apparatus

• IR spectrometer

IV. Procedure

1. In a 100 mL Erlenmeyer flask, 2.0 g of salicylic acid was mixed with 4.0 mL of acetic anhydride.

2. Five drops of concentrated sulfuric acid were added as a catalyst.

3. The mixture was heated in a water bath at 75°C for 15 minutes.

4. The reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath, and 20 mL of cold distilled water was added to precipitate the aspirin.

5. The solid product was filtered and washed with cold water.

6. The crude aspirin was recrystallized from ethanol.

7. The melting point of the purified aspirin was determined using a melting point apparatus.

8. The IR spectrum of the purified aspirin was recorded and analyzed.

V. Results

Measurement	Observed Value	Literature Value
Yield of Aspirin	3.5 g	-
Percentage Yield	87.5%	-
Melting Point	135-137°C	136°C
IR Spectrum Peaks
Ester Carbonyl Stretch	~1750 cm−1−1	1750 cm−1−1
Aromatic C-H Stretch	~3000 cm−1−1	3000 cm−1−1

VI. Discussion

The results from the synthesis of aspirin indicate a successful reaction and a product of high purity. The percentage yield of 87.5% suggests an efficient synthesis process with minimal loss of product. This yield is reasonable considering potential minor losses during recrystallization and transfer processes. The melting point range of 135-137°C closely matches the literature value of 136°C, further confirming the purity and identity of the synthesized aspirin.

The IR spectroscopy results provide additional confirmation of the successful synthesis. The observed IR spectrum showed key peaks characteristic of acetylsalicylic acid. The ester carbonyl stretch at approximately 1750 cm−1−1 and the aromatic C-H stretch near 3000 cm−1−1 align well with the expected values for aspirin. These peaks, along with other minor peaks corresponding to the aromatic ring and carboxylic acid groups, confirm the presence of the functional groups typical of acetylsalicylic acid.

The efficiency and accuracy of this synthesis method demonstrate its suitability for producing high-purity aspirin. This experiment not only highlights the importance of careful technique and precise measurements in chemical synthesis but also underscores the value of characterization techniques such as melting point analysis and IR spectroscopy in verifying the identity and purity of synthesized compounds.

In conclusion, the experiment successfully synthesized aspirin with a high yield and confirmed its identity and purity through melting point determination and IR spectroscopy. This confirms the effectiveness of the esterification reaction between salicylic acid and acetic anhydride in producing acetylsalicylic acid. Future experiments could explore optimization of reaction conditions to further improve yield and purity, as well as investigate alternative purification methods.

VII. Conclusion

The experiment successfully synthesized and characterized aspirin, confirming the product's identity and purity through melting point analysis and IR spectroscopy. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the esterification reaction in producing acetylsalicylic acid and highlights the importance of purification techniques in obtaining a high-purity product.

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