Question

7. What is the role of H3PO4 in aspirin synthesis?

Answer 1

To prepare aspirin, salicylic acid is reacted with an excess of acetic anhydride. A small amount of a strong acid is used as a catalyst which speeds up the reaction. In this experiment, phosphoric acid will be used as the catalyst. The excess acetic acid will be quenched with the addition of water.

Answer 2

Answer:Aspirin is synthesized by esterification reaction of salicylic acid and acetic acid in the presence of phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid acts as a catalyst and fastens the speed of reaction. It protonates the carboxyl group of salicylic acid and favors the esterficiation reaction.

Step-by-step explanation: