Organic preparation experiments
Chemistry Laboratory and Practical Skills · Chemistry
Study notes
How is aspirin prepared in the school lab? Steps. Step 1: Salicylic acid + acetic anhydride + few drops conc. H₂SO₄ (catalyst). Step 2: Warm 10 min (acetylation of –OH). Step 3: Pour into cold water — aspirin precipitates. Step 4: Filter, recrystallize from ethanol. Esterification in action!