Aspirin is an acetylation product of

Options

A. o-hydroxybenzoic acid
B. o-hydroxybenzene
C. m-hydroxybenzoic acid
D. p-dihydroxybenzene

Explanation

To determine the acetylation product of aspirin, we need to follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the structure of aspirin
Aspirin is chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid. It is important to recognize that aspirin is derived from a specific compound through the process of acetylation.

### Step 2: Understand acetylation
Acetylation is a chemical reaction that introduces an acetyl group (−COCH₃) into a compound. In the case of aspirin, this reaction occurs with salicylic acid.

### Step 3: Identify salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is also known as ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid. It has a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) attached to a benzene ring, specifically in the ortho position.

### Step 4: Reaction of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride
When salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst (such as sulfuric acid), an acetyl group is introduced to the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid, resulting in the formation of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and acetic acid as a byproduct.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the acetylation product of aspirin is derived from salicylic acid, which is ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid.

### Final Answer
Aspirin is an acetylation product of **ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid**.

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