What is the purpose of the concentrated sulfuric acid used in the acetylation re
ID: 971122 • Letter: W
Question
What is the purpose of the concentrated sulfuric acid used in the acetylation reaction? 2. Give a possible structure for the polymeric by-product obtained in the reaction. 3. Why is the polymeric by-product not soluble in sodium bicarbonate solution, while salicylic acid itself is soluble? 4. If one were to use 5.0 g of salicylic acid and an excess of acetic anhydride in the above synthesis of aspirin, what would be the theoretical yield of acetylsalicylic acid in moles? In grams? 5 When heated in boiling water, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) decomposes to give a solution which gives a positive FeCl_3 test. Why? What is the reaction? Give an equation for the reaction.Explanation / Answer
1) Sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst to drive the reaction.