Chapter 21 Laboratory: Synthesis of Useful Compounds 379q: 2 Why did we use ice-cold water to extract impurities from the product?
q: 3 If we had used salicylic acid, would you expect the percent yield to be higher, lower, or the same as
the percent yield using aspirin? Why?
q: 4 Aspirin that is very old or has been stored improperly often has a strong odor of vinegar. On that
basis, what ester other than methyl salicylate would you expect to be present in your crude product?
q: 5 Did your tests show a sharp freezing/melting point? If not, what does this suggest about the
purity of your product?