Problem 13 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Chemical name of salol is (a) phenyl salicylate (b) methyl salicylate (c) sodium salicylate (d) acetylsalicyclic acid

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The chemical name of salol is phenyl salicylate.

Step 1: Understand the Question

We need to identify the chemical name of 'salol' from the given options. The options provided are: (a) phenyl salicylate, (b) methyl salicylate, (c) sodium salicylate, and (d) acetylsalicyclic acid.

Step 2: Recall Knowledge about Salol

Salol is a compound that is commonly known in chemistry. It is important to recall or look up its molecular structure and common name. Salol is known to be phenyl salicylate, an ester of salicylic acid and phenol.

Step 3: Match with the Options Provided

Having identified that salol is phenyl salicylate, we now match this with the given options. The correct option that corresponds to phenyl salicylate is (a) phenyl salicylate.

Key Concepts

Phenyl Salicylate

Phenyl salicylate, also known as salol, is an organic compound that is widely used in various applications such as in the production of sunscreens and waxes, and even in fragrances and plastics. It is recognized for its pleasant smell and its ability to absorb ultraviolet light.
To form phenyl salicylate, salicylic acid is combined with phenol in a chemical reaction involving the removal of water. The resulting molecule is an ester, which helps give it unique properties beneficial in many industries.
Some key characteristics of phenyl salicylate include:

• A white crystalline solid at room temperature
• Insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents
• Melts easily when heated

Knowing these properties can help understand why phenyl salicylate is versatile and useful in various chemical products.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a well-known organic compound often used in skin-care products for its ability to exfoliate and treat acne. It is a colorless crystalline solid naturally found in plants acting as a defense mechanism against stress and infection.
Salicylic acid is the primary ingredient in many anti-acne medications due to its ability to promote the shedding of dead skin cells without clearing the pores. This characteristic also makes it beneficial as a treatment for dandruff and warts.
Key facts about salicylic acid:

• Found naturally in willow bark
• Known for its anti-inflammatory properties in medical applications
• A precursor in the production of aspirin

Understanding the role of salicylic acid in these contexts can help with learning about more complex compounds like phenyl salicylate.

Esters in Chemistry

Esters are important chemical compounds that are made by the reaction of an alcohol with an acid. In this case, the alcohol is phenol, and the acid is salicylic acid, together forming phenyl salicylate or salol. Esters are characterized by their pleasant odors, making them popular in perfumes and flavors.
Some key characteristics of esters include:

• Often have fruity smells
• Low melting and boiling points
• Insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents

In chemical structures, esters are identified by a specific group, typically represented as RCOOR', where R and R' are organic groups. In phenyl salicylate, this ester structure allows the compound to maintain stability while carrying both fragrant and practical properties. Understanding esters can provide insights into the chemistry of fragrances, flavors, and various industrial applications.