Final answer:
The product of reacting the -COOH group of salicylic acid with methanol is methyl salicylate, which is formed via an acid-catalyzed esterification process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The product of reacting the -COOH group of salicylic acid with methanol is methyl salicylate. This reaction is an example of an esterification process, wherein a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an ester and water.
In the laboratory, this transformation is often carried out with solutions containing stoichiometric amounts of the acid and alcohol, and it requires acid catalysis to proceed efficiently. The classic acid catalyst used for such reactions is sulfuric acid, although other acids can also be effective.
When salicylic acid reacts with methanol, the -COOH group of the salicylic acid reacts with the -OH group of methanol. This reaction is known as esterification and it forms methyl salicylate. The reaction can be represented by the following equation:
C6H4(CO2H)OH + CH3OH → C6H4(CO2CH3)OH + H2O
Methyl salicylate is commonly used as a fragrance and flavoring agent.