Investigating different types of aspirin and making aspirin.

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Aspirin

Introduction

In this aspirin course work I will be investigating different types of aspirin and making aspirin. I will be looking at all the process taken to make aspirin and all the ingredients in aspirin.

I Will be:

Extracting some salicylic acid (2-hyroxy benzoic acid) from willow twigs or bark.

        O

        C

        OH

        OH

2- hydroxy benzoic acid structure

We will also be learning about TLC (thin layer chromatograph), and its uses to confirm the identity of compounds. Calculating percentage yield carrying out melting points.

My assignment will be structured into four tasks:

Task 1- a survey of aspirin containing medicines and the medical uses of aspirin.

Task 2-extracting and identifying the active chemical in willow bark

Task 3- comparing methods for making and purifying aspirin 

Task 4- analysing  

Task 1- a survey of aspirin containing medicines uses of aspirin

Task 2- Extraction and identification of the active chemical from willow bark

In this practical we have to extract some salicylic acid from willow bark. We had to reflux it, which allows you to heat it for a long time period without losing any liquids.

Then we have to use thin layer chromatography to help us to confirm its identity.

Apparatus

  • Reflux apparatus
  • 250cm3 beaker
  • 2 dropping tubes or melting-point tubs
  • Sulphuric acid
  • Potassium manganate
  • Iodine crystals
  • Willow twigs or bark
  • Coffee grinder

We do not have access to a batch reactor that is used in factories to make aspirin so the pear shaped flask would act as the batch reactor. This is were all of the reacting will take place.

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Method

  • Take a sample of fresh twigs or bark from a willow tree and chop them into fine pieces using a coffee grinder.
  • Set up a flask with a reflux condenser. In the flask place some of the fresh twigs or bark.
  • Cover the twigs with a mixture containing equal volumes of 2moldm-3 sulphuric acid and 0.2moldm-3 potassium manganate solution.
  • Reflux for 15 minuets.
  • While the mixture is still warm pour the mixture into a 25ocm3 beaker. It is not important if some bark comes with it. Carefully ...

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