Aspirin Formula – Physical Properties and Uses

Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) is the chemical name of Aspirin, which is widely used worldwide. Aspirin Formula remains one of the oldest and most popular forms of the drug, which has common usage as an antipyretic and antiinflammatory. The Aspirin Formula will be discussed in greater detail below.

What is Aspirin

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a common generic medication used to address a range of ailments such as pain, fever, inflammation, and heart attacks. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulatory, fever-reducing, and pain-relieving properties make it a frequently prescribed option. These effects are attributed to its main component – acetylsalicylic acid – which has the molecular formula C9H8O4. Although Aspirin falls under the category of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), it can interfere with platelet functioning. Therefore, it is not recommended during pregnancy or given to children with infections. When taken in high doses, Aspirin may lead to side effects such as ringing in the ears, Reye syndrome, nausea, upset stomach, and headache. This compound was first synthesized by chemist Charles Frederic Gerhardt in 1853 using sodium salicylate and acetyl chloride. It quickly gained popularity and Bayer – a drug and dye company – began mass-producing it under the brand Aspirin. However, its fame diminished after other drugs like paracetamol and ibuprofen were developed in 1962.

The formula of Acetylsalicylic Acid 

A French chemist named Charles Frédéric Gerhardt synthesized Aspirin for the first time in 1853. Like other compounds, Acetylsalicylic Acid does not occur naturally in nature.

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Ocurrance 

A French chemist named Charles Frédéric Gerhardt synthesized Aspirin for the first time in 1853, just like other compounds. Acetylsalicylic Acid also does not occur naturally in nature.

Physical Properties of Aspirin 

• 180.16 g/mol is its molar mass.
• 136°C is its melting point.
• 140°C is its boiling point.
• Water dissolves it.
• 1 liter of water can dissolve 3 grams of Aspirin.
• At room temperature, it is a white crystalline solid.
• In nature, it is weakly acidic.
• Its acid dissociation constant is 3.5 at 25 °C.
• The density of this material is 1.40g.cm−31.40g.cm−31.40 g.cm^{-3}.

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Chemical Properties of Aspirin

• When it comes in contact with moist air, it gets hydrolyzed. 
• Although it is stable in dry air, it readily decomposes in a solution of ammonium acetate, carbonates, citrates, or alkali metal hydroxides. 
• In its powdered form, it can be explosive. 
• It has anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and analgesic properties.

Synthesis of Acetylsalicylic Acid

The action of salicylic acid on acetic anhydride synthesizes aspirin. Salicylic acid and acetic anhydride undergo an esterification reaction. When salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride, its hydroxyl group converts into an ester group, resulting in aspirin and acetic acid. Sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid act as catalysts.

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 Uses of Acetylsalicylic Acid/Aspirin 

The following are some of the medical uses of acetylsalicylic acid.

• Acute pain can be relieved with this analgesic.
• The herb is highly effective against muscle pain, bloating, skin irritation, and gastric distention.
• Migraines can also be treated with it.
• Cluster headaches can be effectively treated with it.
• Fever is treated with it.
• Inflammation is treated with it because it is anti-inflammatory.
• Those parts of the heart which have been attacked can be treated with it.
• Following surgeries such as PCIs, aspirin is recommended.
• Cancer risks are reduced by it.

Safety Hazards

At room temperature, aspirin will remain stable. However, keep it dry to prevent its hydrolysis. If you continue taking it for a long period of time, it can result in gastritis and ulceration. It is also incompatible with strong acids and bases, strong oxidizing agents, and strong oxidizing agents.