Final answer:
Acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, is a medication used for pain relief, fever reduction, and inflammation. It was produced by esterification of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride and was marketed by Bayer in 1899 before the establishment of the FDA. Aspirin is also essential as an anticoagulant and is available in buffered forms to minimize stomach irritation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aspirin, known chemically as acetylsalicylic acid, has been a staple in medicine cabinets for over a century. Primarily used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, aspirin also serves as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory medication. The history of aspirin dates back to ancient times when substances with similar effects, especially those derived from willow tree leaves, were used. However, the purification and marketing of acetylsalicylic acid as a medical remedy began in the 19th century.
The synthesis of aspirin involves the esterification of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride, which converts it into a more stomach-friendly form while retaining its beneficial properties. This process involves a scheme where acetic anhydride reacts with salicylic acid under acid catalysis with sulfuric or phosphoric acids to form aspirin and acetic acid. Aspirin's therapeutic effects are largely attributed to its inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COXs), which play a role in the production of pro-inflammatory compounds like prostaglandins and thromboxanes.
Marketed by Bayer starting in 1899, aspirin's acceptance predated the establishment of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by several years. Despite concerns about its potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and Reye's syndrome, its use has been justified over time due to its benefits in reducing the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin works as an anticoagulant by preventing the aggregation of platelets, a critical function during cardiovascular events. For those with stomach sensitivity to aspirin, buffered forms are available where ingredients like MgO are added to neutralize the acidity and reduce side effects.