Expt.6: Aspirin Synthesis Pre-Lab

What are the primary reactants used to synthesize aspirin?

• Salicylic acid and ethanol

• Acetic acid and sulfuric acid

• Salicylic acid and acetic anhydride

• Phenol and acetic anhydride

Which compound acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of aspirin from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride?

• Ethyl acetate

• Sulfuric acid

• Water

• Ethanol

What is the primary purpose of heating the reaction mixture during aspirin synthesis?

• To evaporate excess solvent

• To increase the solubility of aspirin

• To accelerate the reaction rate

• To prevent side reactions

What reagent is used in a qualitative test to detect the presence of unreacted salicylic acid in an aspirin sample?

• Sodium hydroxide

• Ethanol

• Iron(III) chloride

• Cold water

When pure aspirin is tested with iron(III) chloride, what color change is expected?

• It should turn purple

• It should remain the original color of the iron(III) chloride solution

• It should turn blue

• It should turn green