Aspirin Purity Test in Medical Chemistry

What is the typical amount of aspirin in an aspirin tablet?

What is the purpose of adding FeCl3 to an aspirin sample?

What is the result of the iron(III) chloride test for a pure sample of aspirin?

What is the function of the starch 'binder' in an aspirin tablet?

What is the difference between salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid?

What is the result of the iron(III) chloride test for a commercial aspirin sample?

What is the main purpose of taking aspirin?

What is the chemical name for aspirin?

What happens when you place an aspirin directly on the affected tooth?

How does aspirin work?

What is the result of taking aspirin from time to time?

What is the name of the company that patented aspirin in 1899?

What is the physical appearance of aspirin?

What is another name for aspirin?

Aspirin Overview

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce pain, fever, and/or inflammation, and as an antithrombotic.
It is also used long-term to help prevent further heart attacks, ischaemic strokes, and blood clots in people at high risk.
Aspirin is also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Aspirin Purity Test

The purity of aspirin can be tested using FeCl (aq) as it reacts with phenols to form a purple complex.
Salicylic acid contains a phenol group, but acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) does not.
If FeCl3 is added to an aspirin sample and a purple color appears, it indicates the presence of salicylic acid and the sample is impure.

Aspirin Properties

Aspirin is a weak acid and includes inactive ingredients to produce a consistent product.
A typical aspirin tablet contains a small amount of aspirin (usually 300-400 mg) in a starch "binder" and sometimes contains other ingredients like caffeine and buffers.

Historical Background

The Bayer Company in Germany patented aspirin in 1899, which was a modification of salicylic acid.

Trade Names and Chemical Structure

Trade names for aspirin include Bayer Aspirin and 2-acetoxybenzoic acid.
The chemical structural formula for aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid.

Important Notes

Aspirin should be swallowed to experience pain relief, not placed directly on the tooth or gum.
Believing the old wives' tale of placing aspirin on a toothache can do more harm to the mouth.
A recent study shows that taking aspirin from time to time can increase tooth regeneration, making it possible to reverse tooth decay.

This quiz assesses the understanding of aspirin as an anti-inflammatory drug, its uses, and purity testing in medical chemistry. It covers the properties and applications of aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid.