Sodium acetylsalicylate

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Sodium acetylsalicylate
Names
IUPAC name
Sodium acetylsalicylate
Other names
Aspirin sodium
Sodium aspirinate
Sodium O-acetylsalicylate
Sodium aspirin
Properties
C9H7O4Na
Molar mass 202.141 g/mol
Appearance White solid
Odor Odorless
Melting point Decomposes
Boiling point Decomposes
Soluble
Solubility Insoluble in diethyl ether
Vapor pressure ~ 0 mmHg
Hazards
Safety data sheet None
Related compounds
Related compounds
Salicylic acid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Sodium acetylsalicylate, also known as sodium aspirinate, is the sodium salt of acetylsalicylic acid. It is an easy-to-make compound used in the production of other acetylsalicylate salts.

Properties

Chemical

Sodium acetylsalicylate can be added to solutions of metal ions to precipitate insoluble acetylsalicylate salts, such as copper(II) acetylsalicylate.

Physical

Unlike aspirin itself, sodium acetylsalicylate is soluble in water.

Availability

Sodium acetylsalicylate is not a very common compound to be found outside of a lab. It is, however, easily synthesized from aspirin.

Preparation

Sodium aspirinate can be produced by adding an excess of pure acetylsalicylic acid to a solution of sodium carbonate. Sodium hydroxide cannot be used as the base as it will cause hydrolysis of the acetylsalicylic acid into other products. Because sodium acetylsalicylate is much more water-soluble than aspirin itself, excess aspirin can be crystallized out by cooling the solution.

Projects

Handling

Safety

Sodium aspirinate is toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Storage

In closed containers, best away from moisture and air.

Disposal

Can be safely poured down the drain, with lots of water.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads