Organic Molecules and Medicine

Aspirin

from SALICILIN

leaves & barks of

Willow trees

Human body

converts it to

Salicylic Acid

active substance

reduce fever

painkiller

more effective

acidic

unpleasant taste

irritates lining

Felix Hoffmanmodified salicylic acid

coal tarcoal heated with no air

replaced the -O-Hwith ester functional group

becomes ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID

Acetysalicylic Acidesterification process

with ethanolslow reaction

low yield

ethanoic anhydridefaster reaction

higher yield

seperatedpurified

packaged tablet Tastelessless irritating to liningactive

after hydrolysisin stomach

alkaline conditions

an active salicylic acid

Soluble Aspirin

not pure

replace -COOHsodium salt becomes ion

more soluble

=Buffered aspirin

Polyaspirin via condensationsalicylic acid + suberic acidprevent pain

largerenter bloodstram hydrolyse salicylic acid

no stomach irritationAdvantage

controlled release painkiller breaks down slowlysimiliar to POLYESTERS

can stitch woundsfight pain & inflammation where needed

plastic coating for injured bonepromote bone growth

heal & ease pain