Product Description
Acetylsalicylic Acid, also known by trade name Aspirin, is an acetyl derivative of salicylic acid that is a white, crystalline, weakly acidic substance, with melting point 137°C. It is useful in the relief of headache and muscle and joint aches. Aspirin is also effective in reducing fever, inflammation, and swelling and thus has been used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, and mild infection. Large doses cause acid-base imbalance and respiratory disturbances and can be fatal, especially in children. Acetaminophen (known by trade name Tylenol), which does not cause gastric irritation but does lower fever and relieve pain, is often substituted for Aspirin.
Chemical properties
Aspirin decomposes rapidly in solutions of ammonium acetate or of the acetates, carbonates, citrates or hydroxides of the alkali metals. It is stable in dry air, but gradually hydrolyses in contact with moisture to acetic and salicylic acids. In solution with alkalis, the hydrolysis proceeds rapidly and the clear solutions formed may consist entirely of acetate and salicylate
Physical properties
Aspirin, an acetyl derivative of salicylic acid, is a white, crystalline, weakly acidic substance, with a melting point of 136 °C (277 °F), and a boiling point of 140 °C (284 °F).[109] Its acid dissociation constant (pKa) is 3.5 at 25 °C (77 °F).
Acetylsalicylic Acid is used in analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antipyretics, anticoagulants and anti-rheumatics. It is also used as an additive in food, animal feed, drug and cosmetic.