Aspirin Formula: Chemical Formula and Properties

We have discussed Aspirin Formula in the article. Among various drugs we use in our day-to-day life, Aspirin is one of the most famous drugs. It is also known as a non-addictive analgesic. It belongs to a group of drugs known as ‘salicylates’. Aspirin is chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid, which reduces pain, fever, or inflammation. The chemical formula of Aspirin is \({{\rm{C}}_{\rm{9}}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{8}}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{4}}}\).

Aspirin Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of Aspirin is given below:

Physical Properties of Aspirin

The physical properties of aspirin are tabulated below:

\(1.\)	\({\rm{IUPAC}}\) Name	\(2 – \) Acetoxybenzoic acid
\(2.\)	Empirical Formula	\({{\rm{C}}_{\rm{9}}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{8}}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{4}}}\)
\(3.\)	Molerical Formula	\({\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_3}{\rm{COO}}{{\rm{C}}_6}{{\rm{H}}_4}{\rm{COOH}}\)
\(4.\)	Molar Mass	\(180.158\,{\rm{g/mol}}\)
\(5.\)	Melting point	\(135\,^\circ {\rm{C}}\)
\(6.\)	Boiling Point	\(140\,^\circ {\rm{C}}\)
\(7.\)	Density	\(1.40\,{\rm{g/c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\)
\(8.\)	Solubility	\(1\,{\rm{gram}}\,{\rm{soluble}}\,{\rm{in}}\,300\,{\rm{ml}}\,{\rm{of}}\,{\rm{water}}\,\)
\(9.\)	Molecular Geometry	Planar
\(10.\)	Functional Groups	Carboxylic acid and Ester
\(11.\)	Common Names	Aspirin, Acetylsalicylic acid, and Acetylsalicylate

Aspirin Structure

Aspirin has both ester and carboxylic acid functional groups. It is an acetyl derivative of salicylic acid. Hence, commonly known as Acetylsalicylic acid. The chemical structure of Aspirin is given below:

Chemical Properties of Aspirin

The chemical properties of aspirin are explained below:

Aspirin is stable in dry air but gets hydrolysed to acetic acid and salicylic acid on coming in contact with moist air. It smells like vinegar.
The hydrolysis proceeds more rapidly in an alkaline solution that gives a clear solution of acetate and salicylate.
Aspirin or Acetylsalicylic Acid is a well-known anti-inflammatory drug as it causes suppression of Prostaglandin production by inhibiting the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase.
It readily decomposes in the solution of ammonium acetate, citrates, carbonates, or hydroxides of alkali metal.
In the factories where Aspirin tablets are produced, its powder mixes with air and becomes explosive.

Aspirin Synthesis

As we know Aspirin is also known as Acetylsalicylic acid, this compound can be synthesised by the action of salicylic acid on acetic anhydride through an esterification reaction. In this chemical reaction, when salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride (an acid derivative), the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid turns into an ester group.

As a result, Aspirin and acetic acid are obtained as products. This is an acid catalysed reaction, so sulphuric acid or phosphoric acid act as catalysts. The chemical reaction involved in this entire process is given below:

Uses of Aspirin

Aspirin is the first Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that was discovered. This drug has many uses listed below:

It helps in relieving pain and swelling and managing various conditions such as headache, cold, mental issues, sprain, strain or some long-term issues such as arthritis and migraine.
Aspirin is also used in veterinary medicine to treat pain in animals such as dogs, horses, etc.
Aspirin is known as a blood thinner and, as a result, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disorders in people by preventing further blood clots.
It prevents any disease that may affect the coronary artery in a person.
Aspirin is also used to reduce mild to moderate fever.
This medicine reduces the risk of cancer.

Aspirin Coating to Reduce Irritation

We all know the various side effects of Aspirin. One of the most common side effects of this drug is ‘upset stomach’. To avoid this, nowadays, Aspirin EC is available in the market. This is Aspirin with a special coating, where EC stands for Enteric Coating.

Side Effects of Aspirin

Aspirin should not be given to children, and pregnant women as regular administration of this drug may cause severe side effects such as:

Hallucinations, rapid breathing, and convulsions.
Severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach ache.
Blood comes out while coughing.
Though it is a pain reliever, it may cause swelling or pain lasting longer than ten days in some patients.
Aspirin may cause fever also.
When taken in regular doses, Aspirin leads to an upset stomach, heartburn, drowsiness or even mild headache.
Some allergic reactions such as irritation in the eyes are also widespread side effects.
In children, Aspirin may cause Reye’s syndrome, which damages the liver and nervous system that may become life-threatening to some extent.

Summary

In a nutshell, Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is non-addictive. It has the chemical formula \({{\rm{C}}_{\rm{9}}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{8}}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{4}}}.\,{\rm{IUPAC}}\) name of Aspirin is \(2 – \) Acetoxybenzoic acid. Aspirin has both ester and carboxylic acid functional groups. It is synthesised by the reaction of salicylic acid on acetic anhydride through an esterification reaction. Hence, commonly known as Acetylsalicylic acid and Acetylsalicylate. This compound is stable in dry air but gets hydrolysed to acetic acid and salicylic acid when it comes in contact with moist air.

FAQs

Q.1. What is the chemical formula for Aspirin?
Ans: The chemical formula of Aspirin is \({{\rm{C}}_{\rm{9}}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{8}}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{4}}}\) It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is non-addictive used to relieve pain and fever.

Q.2. Are Ecosprin \( – 75\) and Aspirin the same?
Ans: Yes, Ecosprin \( – 75\) and Aspirin are the same as Ecosprin \( – 75\) contains Aspirin as an active ingredient. Each tablet of Ecosprin \( – 75\) contains \(75\) \({\rm{mg}}\) Aspirin.

Q.3. What is the other name of Aspirin?
Ans: Another common name of Aspirin is Acetylsalicylic acid. Its IUPAC name is \(2 – \) Acetoxybenzoic acid.

Q.4. Why is Aspirin banned?
Ans: In many countries, Aspirin is banned due to its severe side effects. In children and adolescents, Aspirin may cause Reye’s syndrome \( – \), a condition that damages the liver and nervous system that may prove to be fatal to some extent.

Q.5. Is the synthesis of Aspirin reversible?
Ans: Yes, the synthesis of Aspirin is reversible because it is stable in dry air but gets hydrolysed to acetic acid and salicylic acid on coming in contact with moist air. Hence, it smells like vinegar.

Q.6. What is Aspirin used for?
Ans: Aspirin is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug \(({\rm{NSAID}})\). This drug has many uses like It helps relieve pain and swelling and treat various conditions such as headache, cold, mental issues, sprain, strain, or some long-term issues such as arthritis and migraine. Aspirin is known as a blood thinner. Hence, used in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in people with a high risk by preventing further blood clots. It is also used to reduce fever.

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