Aspirin Formula

Aspirin Formula

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a widely used medication with a long history of use for pain relief, fever reduction, and its anti-inflammatory properties.

Acetylsalicylic acid has the chemical formula C9H8O4. Likewise, the extended formula for the same is CH3COOC6H4COOH. It also has a molecular mass of around 180.159 g/mol. The molecule is formed by an aromatic ring with two functional groups in position-ortho: carboxylic acid as the first substituent and an ester group as the second. Learn more about aspirin formula, its properties and uses.

What is Acetylsalicylic Acid?

Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as Aspirin, is an archetypal analgesic having a chemical composition of C9H8O4.

It is sometimes referred to as aspirin or 2-acetoxybenzoic acid. It appears as a crystalline powder that ranges in hue from colourless to white. In general, it has no odour, but when exposed to damp air, it develops an acetic acid odour. It has a flashpoint of 482°F. It is most commonly used in medications to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever.

Aspirin is one of the safest and most effective medications, and it is widely used across the world. It is listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential medications.

Aspirin Chemical Formula

The Aspirin Formula Chemical is given below:

Aspirin Structural Formula

Acetylation of salicylic acid yields Aspirin Formula. Acetylation is the process of adding an acetyl group (CH3CO). Aspirin Formula contains basic functional groups such as ester and carboxylic acid.

Occurrence

Acetylsalicylic Acid, like other compounds, does not occur naturally in nature. It is not found in nature, and its history dates back to 1853. In that year, a French chemist named Charles Frédéric Gerhardt synthesised Aspirin for the first time.

Preparation

Acetylsalicylic acid is easily synthesised by esterifying salicylic acid with acetic anhydride. As a result, the ester group replaces the hydroxyl group found in salicylic acid. Similarly, sulfuric acid can be used to catalyse the reaction.

Aspirin Properties

Physical Properties of Aspirin Formula:

Acetylsalicylic acid is a colourless to white crystalline solid in general. It has a vinegar-like smell to it. This odour is caused by the hydrolysis of Acetylsalicylic Acid, which produces salicylic and acetic acid. Aspirin Formula has a bitter taste. Similarly, its density is 1.40 g mL-1. Acetylsalicylic acid has a melting point of 135 degrees Celsius. As a result, it will decompose if kept at higher temperatures. Water, ethyl ether, ethanol, and chloroform are all soluble in acetylsalicylic acid.

Working Mechanism: Acetylsalicylic acid is widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties. It works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase.

Chemical Properties

• Acidity: Aspirin is an acidic compound due to the presence of the carboxyl group, which can donate a proton (H⁺). Its pKa is approximately 3.5.
• Hydrolysis: In aqueous solutions, especially under basic conditions, aspirin undergoes hydrolysis to form salicylic acid and acetic acid.

Aspirin Uses

It is a very popular medicine that is widely available all over the world. Acetylsalicylic acid was given the name Aspirin by the Bayer laboratory in 1897. The commercialisation of it has begun since its naming. This medication is most commonly used as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory.

However, given its recent popularity, it has also earned a reputation for treating cardiovascular diseases. Other applications include rheumatic fever and Kawasaki disease. Similarly, it is used as an intermediate and raw material in the manufacture of other medicines or chemical compounds such as 4-hydroxycoumarin.

Other uses of the Aspirin Formula include

1. Cyclooxygenase is inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid.
2. It is used to keep venous and arterial thrombosis at bay.
3. It is prescribed for the treatment of various types of headaches.
4. It is used as an anti-inflammatory agent in both chronic and acute inflammation.
5. Aspirin is thought to lower the overall risk of developing cancer and dying from it.
6. Aspirin is a very important part of the treatment of heart attack victims.

Safety Measures of Aspirin

There are certain safety measures that people should keep in mind while using Aspirin Formula:

When stored at room temperature Aspirin’s stability will be maintained. However, people should try to keep it dry to prevent hydrolysis. If Aspirin is used for an extended period of time, it can cause gastritis and ulceration. It is also incompatible with strong acids and bases and tough oxidising agents.

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