Aspirin is a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which reduces fever, relieves mild pain and decreases swelling. It is prepared by numerous synthetic methods; of which the acetylation of Compound A with acetyl chloride is one of the easiest methods. However, Compound A itself needs to be prepared from Compound B under basic conditions by using carbon dioxide as a reagent. Interestingly, Compound B along with Compound C can be obtained by the air oxidation of Compound D. Compound C is a commonly used industrial solvent and gives a positive iodoform test and a negative Tollen’s test. Compound C easily forms 2,4-DNP derivative (Compound E). Compound C on reaction with Ba(OH)2 under heating conditions produces Compound F whose molecular formula is C6H10O.
Aspirin is chemically known as
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Acetylsalicylic acid
Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid (2-acetoxybenzoic acid). It is made by acetylation of salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) with acetic anhydride: the phenolic –OH group is converted into an acetate ester.
\( \displaystyle \underset{\text{salicylic acid}}{\ce{HO-C6H4-COOH}}+\ce{(CH3CO)2O} \xrightarrow{\ce{H+}} \underset{\text{aspirin}}{\ce{CH3COO-C6H4-COOH}}+\ce{CH3COOH} \)
Aspirin is a non-narcotic analgesic and an antipyretic.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Esterification – “Alcohols and phenols react with carboxylic acids, acid chlorides and acid anhydrides to form esters. … The introduction of acetyl (CH3CO) group in alcohols or phenols is known as acetylation. Acetylation of salicylic acid produces aspirin.”
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-05 S2 | – | 19-07 S1 29-05 S1 | – | – |