Introduction
Many people have been administered aspirin whenever they face pain, headache, fever, etc. It is a common household drug. Aspirin’s chemical name is acetylsalicylic acid or 2-acetoxybenzoic acid. It is a covalent compound formed by the sharing of electrons amongst its elements. Due to its covalent nature, aspirin is very stable. Aspirin is produced in large amounts by different industries to meet the growing demand for the market’. Therefore, it is important to know about this compound in this chapter.
What is Aspirin Formula Structure?
Aspirin is an organic compound. It contains a carboxylic acid and a salicylate group as functional groups added to the benzene ring. The aspirin molecular formula is C9H8O4. The molecular mass of aspirin is 180.59 g/mol. The extended molecular formula for aspirin is CH3COOC6H4COOH.
Structure of Aspirin
The geometrical structure of aspirin is planar. Aspirin structural formula is mentioned as:
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Fig. Chemical structure of aspirin.
What are the Physical Properties of Aspirin?
The melting point of aspirin is 136ᴼ C.
The boiling point of aspirin is 140ᴼ C.
Aspirin is soluble in water. The solubility of aspirin in water is 3g/L.
Aspirin is weakly acidic at room temperature.
Aspirin is a white crystalline in colour at room temperature.
The density of aspirin is 1.40 g/cm3.
What are the Chemical Properties of Aspirin?
Aspirin is stable in dry conditions. It hydrolyzes in moist conditions.
A mixture of aspirin powder with air can be explosive.
Aspirin decomposes in citrate, carbonate, alkaline metal hydroxide, and ammonium acetate solutions.
Aspirin has anti-coagulatory, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
What is Aspirin Synthesis?
For industrial purposes, aspirin is synthesized by the esterification reaction of salicylic acid with acetic anhydrides. During this reaction, the hydroxyl group of the salicylic acid is converted to the ester group. The ester group is attached to the benzene ring, resulting in the formation of aspirin. Acetic acid is the byproduct of this process. Moreover, aspirin can dissociate to form acetic acid. Therefore, an aqueous solution of aspirin can give out the pungent odour of acetic acid.
What is the Mechanism of Action of Aspirin?
Aspirin helps in relieving pain. It functions to suppress the pain receptors of the body. It inhibits prostaglandins and thromboxane production, both required to transfer the pain signals to the brain. It also inhibits cyclooxygenase -1 and modifies the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase -2. These enzymes are pro-inflammatory, and their activity modification turns off the pro-inflammatory pathways and activates the anti-inflammatory pathways. It can also affect the function of mitochondria in the cells.
Conclusion
Aspirin is a commonly administered drug for the treatment of pain, fever, headache, etc. It is an organic compound with both ester and carboxylic acid functional groups. The empirical formula for aspirin is C9H8O4. Aspirin structure determines its physicochemical properties. It functions to shut down the pro-inflammatory and activate the anti-inflammatory pathways.
FAQs on What is Aspirin Formula?
1. What are the Effects of Aspirin on the Body?
Ans: Aspirin has anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, and analgesic properties on the body. It prevents the production of thromboxanes and prostaglandins required to transfer the pain signal from the site to the brain. It also helps alter the activity of several pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase 1 and 2. It can also alter mitochondrial activity. Therefore, aspirin is used for the treatment of pain, aches, and fever.
2. How is Aspirin Synthesized in Industries?
Ans: Aspirin is synthesized by the reaction of salicylic acid on acetic anhydrides. It is an esterification reaction. In this reaction, the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid is converted to the ester group attached to the benzene ring.
3. Why Does Aspirin Solution Give a Pungent Acidic Odour?
Ans: During the synthesis of aspirin, acetic acid is produced. Moreover, aspirin decomposes in solution to produce acetic acid. The pungent acidic odour of aspirin solution is due to the presence of acetic acid in the solution.
