Question

1.examine the list of ingredients for aspirin.list the active and inactive ingredients

2.how might the inactive ingredients influence acetylsalicylic acid percenf yield

Answer 1

1. A typical example of aspirin tablet available commercially is Genuine Bayer Aspirin Coated tablets. The active ingredient in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, acetylsalicylate). Aspirin tablets contain a number of inactive ingredients like powdered cellulose and cornstarch. These inactive ingredients have no biochemical functions in the body and are added to impart color, flavor, stability, etc. to the tablet.

2. In the laboratory determination of the active acetylsalicylic acid content in aspirin tablet, it is assumed that the inactive ingredients do not interfere with the desired chemical reaction and are removed from the active ingredient during the sample preparation step. However, if due to some mistake on part of the experimenter, the inactive ingredients are carried over till the end of the determination, then the recorded yield of acetylsalicylic acid will be higher and hence, the percentage of acetylsalicylic acid will be calculated higher than the actual value.