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Recrystallisation Of Aspirin Lab Report

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Experiment 4: Formal Report
Preparation and Recrystallisation of Aspirin

Aim of the experiment:
In this experiment, a pure sample of aspirin is to be obtained through esterification to synthesise the sample, then purify the sample by recrystallisation. Lastly, determine the melting point of the sample to characterise the aspirin.

Introduction:
Background
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is an aromatic compound that contains an ester- functional group and a carboxylic acid- functional group. Aspirin is commonly used as a pain reliever (analgesic), an anti-inflammatory, an anti-coagulant (prevent platelet aggregation) and an antipyretic (to reduce fever) pill. It helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks and blood clot formation. It can be produced from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride, with acetic acid as its by-product. However, salicylic acid consists of the phenolic and carboxylic acid groups which are way too acidic for the stomach lining. Thus, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) was refined to become a more effective substitute.
Theories
In this experiment set-up, acetic anhydride is added to salicylic acid in the presence of a catalyst, concentrated sulphuric acid. Acetylsalicylic acid and acetic acid are then produced, after the mixture is heated.
Esterification is the chemical process of ester formation. Esters are produced when alcohols and carboxylic acids are heated in the presence of an acid catalyst, and in this case, acetylsalicylic acid is produced when salicylic

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