Problem 54 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

2-acetoxybenzoic acid is a/an (a) antiseptic (b) mordant dye (c) antibiotic (d) aspirin

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

2-acetoxybenzoic acid is aspirin.

Step 1: Identify 2-Acetoxybenzoic Acid

Recognize that 2-acetoxybenzoic acid is another name for a common chemical compound, aspirin. The name is derived from the chemical structure, where acetoxy refers to the acetyl group attached to the benzene ring with a carboxylic acid group.

Step 2: Define Terminologies

Clarify the terms given in the options: (a) Antiseptic - a substance that prevents microbial growth on living tissues, (b) Mordant dye - a dye that needs a mordant to improve color fastness, (c) Antibiotic - an agent that inhibits or destroys the growth of microorganisms, and (d) Aspirin - a medication used to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation.

Step 3: Match Structure to Function

Understand that aspirin is primarily used for its analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects, to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation, rather than serving as an antiseptic, mordant dye, or antibiotic.

Step 4: Select Correct Option

Based on the known uses of 2-acetoxybenzoic acid (aspirin), match it to option (d) aspirin, since it is not used primarily for antiseptic, dye, or antibiotic purposes. Thus, the correct answer here is (d) aspirin.

Key Concepts

Aspirin

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid or 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, is a widely used medication in households around the world. It is best known for its ability to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce fever, and alleviate inflammation.
Aspirin achieves these effects by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases, which are key in the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body. By blocking these enzymes, aspirin reduces the body's inflammatory response, providing relief from symptoms.
What many people find fascinating is that aspirin's roots trace back to the willow tree. Salicylic acid, a precursor to aspirin, is derived from the bark of this tree, which has been used as a natural remedy since ancient times. The transformation of this natural compound into a more effective medication marks one of the triumphs of modern chemistry. Additionally, due to its blood-thinning properties, aspirin is sometimes prescribed in low doses to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.
They are a core component of organic chemistry, providing a way to predict the behavior of complex molecules. For example, the functional group in aspirin is the ester group, represented by the acetoxy part of the chemical name "2-acetoxybenzoic acid." This ester functional group is derived from the reaction between an alcohol and an acid, specifically acetic acid in aspirin's case.
The presence of this functional group gives aspirin part of its chemical properties, such as its relatively low solubility in water and its ability to undergo hydrolysis, breaking down into acetic acid and salicylic acid, especially under basic conditions. By understanding functional groups, chemists can predict how aspiring will act in different environments and, thus, its therapeutic effectiveness.

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds. This branch of science is essential because carbon atoms can form large and complex molecules necessary for life.
Aspirin itself is an organic compound, showcasing the diversity and complexity of organic chemistry. It includes carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements, which define its structure and function.
Organic chemistry provides many tools and techniques for synthesizing and analyzing these compounds. For aspirin, synthesis involves esterification, a reaction between salicylic acid and acetic anhydride to produce the acetylsalicylic acid we know as aspirin.

• Understanding how carbon atoms interact to form chains or rings
• Studying the reactivity of different functional groups
• Uncovering complex reaction mechanisms

This helps chemists not only in creating aspirin but also in developing new medications and materials with similar or enhanced properties.