What is the conversion of the sodium salicylate to salicylic acid reaction?
C6H4(OH)(COONa) + 1/2 H2SO4 -> C6H4(OH)(COOH) + 1/2 Na2SO4
The conversion of sodium salicylate (C6H4(OH)(COONa)) to salicylic acid (C6H4(OH)(COOH)) can be achieved through a reaction with sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:
C6H4(OH)(COONa) + 1/2 H2SO4 -> C6H4(OH)(COOH) + 1/2 Na2SO4.
To understand the reaction, it is important to break down the equation and look at the individual components and their behavior.
1. Sodium Salicylate (C6H4(OH)(COONa)): Sodium salicylate is a salt form of salicylic acid. It consists of a salicylate ion (C6H4(OH)COO-) and a sodium ion (Na+). In the reaction, the sodium ion is replaced by a hydrogen ion (H+) from sulfuric acid.
2. Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4): Sulfuric acid is a strong acid used as a proton donor. It donates a hydrogen ion (H+) to the sodium salicylate, resulting in the formation of salicylic acid.
3. Salicylic Acid (C6H4(OH)(COOH)): The reaction between sodium salicylate and sulfuric acid leads to the conversion of the sodium ion to a hydrogen ion, resulting in the formation of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a white crystalline solid with various applications, such as being a precursor for the production of aspirin.
4. Sodium Sulfate (Na2SO4): As a byproduct of the reaction, sodium sulfate is formed. It is a soluble salt that remains in the reaction mixture but does not participate further.
To carry out the conversion, the sodium salicylate and sulfuric acid are mixed together and reacted. The reaction proceeds spontaneously, and the resulting products are salicylic acid and sodium sulfate. Care should be taken while handling sulfuric acid, as it is a strong acid and can cause harm if not handled properly. Proper protective equipment and laboratory procedures should be followed when conducting this reaction.
The conversion of sodium salicylate to salicylic acid can be achieved by reacting sodium salicylate (C6H4(OH)(COONa)) with sulfuric acid (H2SO4):
C6H4(OH)(COONa) + 1/2 H2SO4 → C6H4(OH)(COOH) + 1/2 Na2SO4
In this reaction, one molecule of sodium salicylate reacts with half a molecule of sulfuric acid to produce one molecule of salicylic acid and half a molecule of sodium sulfate.