Salicylic acid, HOC6H4CO2H, and its derivatives have been used as pain relievers for a long time. Salicylic acid occurs in small amounts in the leaves, bark, and roots of some vegetation (most notably historically in the bark of the willow tree). Extracts of these plants have been used as medications for centuries. The acid was first isolated in the laboratory in 1838. (a) Both functional groups of salicylic acid ionize in water, with Ka = 1.0 ×× 10−3 for the—CO2H group and 4.2 ×× 10−13 for the −OH group. What is the pH of a saturated solution of the acid (solubility = 1.8 g/L). (b) Aspirin was discovered as a result of efforts to produce a derivative of salicylic acid that would not be irritating to the stomach lining. Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, CH3CO2C6H4CO2H. The −CO2H functional group is still present, but its acidity is reduced, Ka = 3.0 ×× 10−4. What is the pH of a solution of aspirin with the same concentration as a saturated solution of salicylic acid (See Part a).

Principles of Modern Chemistry
8th Edition
ISBN:9781305079113
Author:David W. Oxtoby, H. Pat Gillis, Laurie J. Butler
Publisher:David W. Oxtoby, H. Pat Gillis, Laurie J. Butler
Chapter15: Acid–base Equilibria
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 7P
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

Salicylic acid, HOC6H4CO2H, and its derivatives have been used as pain relievers for a long time. Salicylic acid occurs in small amounts in the leaves, bark, and roots of some vegetation (most notably historically in the bark of the willow tree). Extracts of these plants have been used as medications for centuries. The acid was first isolated in the laboratory in 1838.

(a) Both functional groups of salicylic acid ionize in water, with Ka = 1.0 ×× 10−3 for the—CO2H group and 4.2 ×× 10−13 for the −OH group. What is the pH of a saturated solution of the acid (solubility = 1.8 g/L).

(b) Aspirin was discovered as a result of efforts to produce a derivative of salicylic acid that would not be irritating to the stomach lining. Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, CH3CO2C6H4CO2H. The −CO2H functional group is still present, but its acidity is reduced, Ka = 3.0 ×× 10−4. What is the pH of a solution of aspirin with the same concentration as a saturated solution of salicylic acid (See Part a).

 
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 8 steps with 8 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Ionic Equilibrium
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Principles of Modern Chemistry
Principles of Modern Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079113
Author:
David W. Oxtoby, H. Pat Gillis, Laurie J. Butler
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781285853918
Author:
H. Stephen Stoker
Publisher:
Cengage Learning