Preparation of Acetaminophen
Essay by people • August 25, 2011 • Essay • 825 Words (4 Pages) • 1,810 Views
PREPARATION of ACETAMINOPHEN
OBJECT
To synthesize the common pain reliever: acetaminophen (paracetamol)
To determine the purity of acetaminophen.
THEORY
Acetaminophen is an amide, a compound that is a derivative of ammonia that has been reacted with an acidic
substance, in this case, acetic acid. Acetaminophen acts as a fever reducer and pain reliever. It can be found in
several analgesic preparations, such as Tylenol, some of which may contain other ingredients such as caffeine and
buffers.
Qualitatively, the purity of an acetaminophen sample can be determined from its melting point. The
melting point of a substance is essentially independent of atmospheric pressure, but it is always lowered by the
presence of impurities (a colligative property of pure substances). The degree of lowering of the melting point
depends on the nature and the concentration of the impurities.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Wear safety glasses or goggles at all times in the laboratory.
Acetic anhydride is corrosive and its vapor is irritating to the respiratory system. Avoid skin contact and inhalation
of the vapors. In the event of skin contact, rinse well with cold water. If the vapors are inhaled, move to an area
where fresh air is available.
Sulfuric acid is corrosive. Avoid skin contact. In the event of skin contact, rinse well with cold water.
p-aminophenol is harmful by inhalation and by contact with the skin. In the event of skin contact, rinse well with
cold water. If the vapors are inhaled, move to an area where fresh air is available.
THE PREPARATION OF ACETAMINOPHEN
Materials Needed:
p-aminophenol
Acetic anhydride
Phosphoric acid, concentrated
Ethanol
Dropper
Erlenmeyer flask, 125-mL
Beakers, 2 400-mL, 100-mL, 10 or 20-mL
Graduated cylinders, 10-mL, 25-mL
Watch glass
Stirring rod
Vial to hold aspirin sample
Ring stand
Clamp (to hold 125-mL Erlenmeyer flask)
Buchner funnel
Filter paper to fit Buchner funnel
Vacuum filtration flask
Rubber tubing for vacuum flask
Ice
Melting point capillary tube
Melting point apparatus
dropper
Disposable IR card
Optional: rubber gloves
Procedure
Fill a 400-mL beaker about half full with water. Place the beaker and water on a hot plate and bring to a boil.
Weigh out 1.5 g of p-aminophenol and transfer it into a 125-mL Erlenmeyer flask. (Avoid contact with skin. You
may wish to wear gloves.)
Add 25 mL of water. Add 20 drops of concentrated phosphoric acid, H3PO4 , and swirl the flask until all of the
amine dissolves. If not, add a few more drops of phosphoric acid.
Turn off the hot plate. Place the flask in the hot water. Carefully add 2 mL of acetic anhydride to the flask. Leave
the flask in the warm water for 10 minutes.
Remove
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