Question

Write balanced equations for the cold neutralization of acetylsalicylic acid. If the mixture is hot, what other reaction amy occur?

Answer 1

The balanced equations for the cold neutralization of acetylsalicylic acid is

C₆H₄(OCOCH₃)CO₂H(s) + NaOH(aq) -> C₆H₄(OCOCH₃)CO₂Na(aq) + H₂O

In hot condition, the reactions are:

Step 1: C₆H₄(OCOCH₃)CO₂H(s) + NaOH(aq) -> C₆H₄(OCOCH₃)CO₂Na(aq) + H₂O

Step 2: C₆H₄(OCOCH₃)CO₂Na(aq) + NaOH(aq) -> C₆H₄(OH)CO₂Na(aq) + CH₃COONa(aq)

In the second step of hot condition, the base hydrolysis of acetylsalicylate takes place which forms salicylate and acetate ion.

Here NaOH is the base,.