Read the passage carefully and answer the questions.

Alcohols and phenols are formed when a hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon, aliphatic and aromatic respectively is replaced by - OH group. These are further classified on the basis of number of hydroxy groups and according to the hybridization of the carbon atom $sp^2$ or $sp^3$ to which the -OH group is attached. They find applications in industry as well as in day-to-day life. One of the most commercially obtained alcohol also known as wood spirit is obtained by destructive distillation of wood. Both alcohols and phenols are acidic in nature. The acidity of alcohols and phenols vary according to the nature of substituent(s) attached to them. Alcohols and phenols react with carboxylic acids, acid chlorides and acid anhydrides to form esters. Introduction of acetyl group in alcohols and phenols is called acetylation. Phenol undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction because the -OH activates the benzene ring. It undergoes nitration, halogenation and sulphonation reactions.

The final product of the following reaction is:

Aspirin

The correct answer is Option (3) → Aspirin

The given compound is salicylic acid (o-hydroxybenzoic acid), which contains:

• A phenolic –OH group
• A carboxylic acid –COOH group

When salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O) in the presence of an acid catalyst (H⁺), the phenolic –OH group undergoes acetylation.

In this reaction, the hydrogen of the phenolic –OH group is replaced by an acetyl group (–COCH₃).

Reaction:

Salicylic acid + Acetic anhydride → Acetylsalicylic acid + Acetic acid

The product acetylsalicylic acid is commonly known as Aspirin.

Option-wise Explanation

Option 1: Paracetamol

Paracetamol is formed from p-aminophenol, not from salicylic acid. Hence incorrect.

Option 2: Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is synthesized through a completely different industrial process and is unrelated to this reaction. Hence incorrect.

Option 3: Aspirin

Acetylation of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride produces acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin). Hence correct.

Option 4: Salicylaldehyde

Salicylaldehyde contains an aldehyde group and is formed through different reactions, not by acetylation. Hence incorrect.