BackGround Information
Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a non-streroidal, anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter drug that is very common in today's society. Aspirin's primary use is for the treatment of minor body aches like headaches and joint pain. The active ingredient in Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which was discovered by Felix Hoffman in 1897. Although Aspirin was developed and manufactured in 1899, plants with abundant amounts of salicylate were speculated to have been used as far back as the Egyptian Empire, around 1500 BC. Willow trees are rich in salicylate, and it is believed that the bark of these trees was used as a healing aroma during the expedition of Lewis and Clark.
Synthesis and Creation, Problems With Storage and Disposal, and Side Effects
Hoffman and his fellow chemists attempted many experiments involving various acid anhydrides, but most ended in violent, failed reactions. It wasn't until 1859 when Hermann Von Gilm produced acetylsalicylic acid from salicylic acid and acetic acids. It took ten more years for chemists to confirm this was acetylsalicylic acid. Then in 1897, Hoffman found a better way of making acetylsalicylic acid, derived from salicylic acid and acetic anhydride. This would be marked as the discovery of Aspirin. Aspirin is not found to have any problems involving storage nor disposal. The side effects of Aspirin include: upset stomach, stomach ulcers, headaches, drowsiness, fever, ringing in the ears, heartburn, and nausea.