The reagent( s) used in the preparation of aspirin from salicylic acid is/are

Options

A. `SOCl_(2)`
B. `CH_(3)COOH, HCl`
C. `CHCl_2, AlCl_3`
D. `(CH_3CO)_(2)O, H^+`

Answer

To prepare aspirin from salicylic acid, we need to follow a series of steps involving the correct reagents. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify the starting material
- The starting material for the synthesis of aspirin is **salicylic acid**. Salicylic acid has a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) attached to a benzene ring.

### Step 2: Understand the reaction type
- The reaction we are performing is **acetylation**, which involves the introduction of an acetyl group (COCH3) into the salicylic acid molecule.

### Step 3: Identify the reagent needed for acetylation
- The reagent used for acetylation is **acetic anhydride**. Acetic anhydride is a common acetylating agent that can introduce the acetyl group into the salicylic acid.

### Step 4: Write the reaction
- The reaction can be represented as follows:
\[ \text{Salicylic Acid} + \text{Acetic Anhydride} \xrightarrow{\text{H}^+} \text{Aspirin} + \text{Acetic Acid} \]
- Here, salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride in the presence of an acid catalyst (often represented as H+) to form aspirin and acetic acid.

### Step 5: Identify the product
- The product of this reaction is **aspirin**, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (2-acetoxybenzoic acid). The hydroxyl group of salicylic acid is replaced by an acetoxy group (-OCOCH3).

### Conclusion
- The reagent used in the preparation of aspirin from salicylic acid is **acetic anhydride**.