Problem 93 - Arihant Objective Approach to Organic Chemistry for IIT JEE and NEET all Medical Entrances Part 4

Question

Chemically aspirin is known as: (a) salicylic acid (b) salicyaldehyde (c) 2 -acetoxybenzoic acid (d) phenyl salicylate

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The chemical name for aspirin is 2-acetoxybenzoic acid.

Step 1: Identify Common Name

Aspirin is the common name for a widely used over-the-counter medication known for treating pain, reducing fever, and having anti-inflammatory properties.

Step 2: Understand Chemical Structure

The chemical structure of aspirin is based on the modification of salicylic acid. It involves the acetylation of the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid.

Step 3: Chemical Structure Identification

The IUPAC name of aspirin is "2-acetoxybenzoic acid." This reflects its chemical structure, where an acetyl group is attached to the salicylic acid framework.

Step 4: Match with Options

Compare the given options with the IUPAC name 2-acetoxybenzoic acid. Among the options, (c) matches this IUPAC name.

Key Concepts

Common Names in Chemistry

In chemistry, common names are widely recognized names used for substances in everyday language, rather than their scientific or systematic names. Aspirin is a perfect example of a common name in chemistry. It is a household name for a drug that is often found in medicine cabinets around the world.

Common names are usually easier to pronounce and remember compared to their IUPAC counterparts. However, they may not provide any information about the compound's chemical structure or composition. This can lead to confusion or misidentification when such information is significant. For instance, aspirin's chemical name tells us it belongs to a family of chemicals derived from salicylic acid.

Some other examples of common names include:

• Salt for sodium chloride
• Baking soda for sodium bicarbonate
• Alcohol for ethanol

While common names play an essential role in everyday language, chemistry professionals often rely on more precise IUPAC names to convey detailed structural information.

Chemical Structures

Understanding chemical structures is central to chemistry as it directly correlates to a substance's properties and functions. Aspirin has a distinct chemical structure derived from a modification of salicylic acid. In chemistry, the structure of aspirin is represented by its molecular formula, C₉H₈O₄.

Structurally, aspirin is formed when an acetyl group is added to the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid—this process is known as acetylation. The addition of this acetyl group alters the compound's properties, enhancing its usefulness as a medication.

In drawing or visualizing chemical structures, chemists use models that show each atom and its connectivity. Aspirin's structure consists of a benzene ring attached to an ester group and an acid group, which are key functional components affecting its biochemical interactions and activity as a pain reliever.

IUPAC Nomenclature

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature provides a systematic way to name compounds, reflecting their structure and ensuring consistent communication among scientists worldwide. Aspirin's IUPAC name is "2-acetoxybenzoic acid," which fully describes its specific chemical structure.

The IUPAC name offers clear instructions on the molecule's composition:

• "2-": Indicates the position of the acetoxy group on the benzene ring.
• "acetoxy": Refers to the acetyl group attached to an oxygen, forming an ester with benzoic acid.
• "benzoic acid": Denotes the benzene ring with a carboxylic acid functional group.

IUPAC nomenclature ensures that each compound has a unique and unambiguous name, significant for scientific clarity and precision. While the common name "aspirin" is easier for general public use, "2-acetoxybenzoic acid" is invaluable for experts working with the compound on a molecular level.