Making Aspirin - Extensions

Making Aspirin:
Data Analysis

Now that you've synthesized aspirin, here are some questions for you to think about concerning the experiment you just did. Write at least one-paragraph answer for each question.
Making Aspirin Menu
Purpose and Introduction
Materials and Apparatus
Safety
Procedure
Data Analysis
Extensions

Salicylic acid can also react with acetic anhydride to form acetylsalicylic acid, according to the following equation:

This reaction alone gives a much lower yield of ASA than does the reaction you did in the experiment. Knowing that all the acids involved in these reactions are weak organic acids (except sulfuric acid, of course), explain why the reaction involving acetic anhydride produces a much greater yield than does the one involving acetic acid. Keep in mind also the typical role of concentrated sulfuric acid in chemical reactions, and that weak acids usually are involved in equilibrium systems.

Do you think commercial drug companies have the same kinds of problems you encountered in your experiment? What steps do aspirin manufacturers have to take to make sure that their products are safe for human ingestion?

What other types of analgesics are on the market? How does their action compare with aspirin, and why are these alternative drugs necessary?