Ester Synthesis

Synthesis of Aspirin and Oil of Wintergreen
Cautions:
Acetic Anhydride – corrosive and a lachrymator – all transfers should be done in the vented fume hood Methanol, Ethanol – flammable and highly toxic Salicylic Acid – toxic and irritant Sulfuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid – highly toxic, corrosive, and an oxidant

Purpose :
To synthesize acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) to review the concepts of theoretical and percent yields.
Introduction:
Organic chemistry plays a vital part in the chemical industry as it is used in making petroleum products, polymers/plastics, pharmaceuticals, and health and beauty aids. Many everyday products are primarily comprised of organic molecules.
Organic molecules are classified by how different atoms are arranged in their structures. For examples, all alcohols contain a carbon atom bound to an OH group; for example, methyl alcohol is CH3OH. Aspirin and oil of wintergreen are esters. An ester is an organic compound that contains the molecular connectivity shown in Figure 1.
Esters tend to be volatile and have pleasant odors. This class of organic molecules is responsible for the inviting aromas and fragrances of fruits and flowers. The cosmetic industry has exploited the use of esters in the production of cosmetics and perfumes. The food and pharmaceutical industry also use esters in the form of flavoring agents in solid and liquid products.