Question

Aspirin synthesis involves the addition of an acetyl group to salicylic acid in a condensation reaction with an alcohol. The acetyl group could be added with a carboxylic acid but the preferred procedure is to use the acid anhydride. Why is preferable to use an acid anhydride for ester formation with an alcohol rather than a carboxylic acid? Select one: Carboxylic acids react with water in an undesired side reaction. Acid anhydrides are generally easier and safer to handle than carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids change the pH of the solution too much for the reaction to proceed. Acid anhydrides are less stable than esters so the equilibrium favors the ester product.

Answer 1

The correct appropriate will be Option 1 (Acid anhydrides are less stable than esters so the equilibrium favors the ester product.)

Step-by-step explanation:

• Acid anhydride, instead of just a carboxyl group, is typically favored for esterification. The predominant theory would be that Anhydride acid is somewhat more volatile than acid. This is favored equilibrium changes more toward the right of the whole ester structure.
• Extremely responsive than carboxylic acid become acid anhydride as well as acyl chloride. Thus, for esterification, individuals were most favored.

The other options offered are not relevant to something like the scenario presented. So, the solution here is just the right one.