Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin ) – C9H8O4

What is Acetylsalicylic acid?

Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, is a medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications worldwide.

Acetylsalicylic acid is derived from salicylic acid, which is found naturally in the bark of the willow tree and other plants. Salicylic acid has been used for centuries to alleviate pain and reduce fever. In the late 19th century, acetylsalicylic acid was synthesized from salicylic acid, leading to the development of aspirin.

Aspirin works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body involved in inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking the action of prostaglandins, aspirin helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

Acetylsalicylic Acid Chemical Formula

The chemical formula of acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, is C₉H₈O₄

Structure of Aspirin/Acetylsalicylic acid – C₉H₈O₄

The molecular structure of acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, is represented as follows:

In this structure:

• The central carbon atom is bonded to three oxygen atoms: one through a single bond to a hydroxyl group (-OH), one through a double bond to an acetyl group (-COCH3), and one through a single bond to another carbon atom in a benzene ring.
• The benzene ring consists of six carbon atoms bonded to each other in a hexagonal arrangement, with alternating single and double bonds.
• The benzene ring is also attached to a carboxyl group (-COOH) via a single bond.

Properties of Aspirin/Acetylsalicylic acid – C₉H₈O₄

Uses of Aspirin/Acetylsalicylic acid-(C₉H₈O₄)

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a versatile medication with various uses. Here are some common applications:

1. Pain Relief: Aspirin is widely used to relieve mild to moderate pain, including headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches.
2. Fever Reduction: Aspirin is effective in reducing fever associated with common illnesses such as colds, flu, and viral infections.
3. Inflammation Reduction: Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to alleviate inflammation and swelling associated with conditions like arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders.
4. Cardiovascular Health: Low-dose aspirin is often prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals at high risk or with a history of cardiovascular disease. It works by inhibiting blood clot formation and reducing the risk of blood clot-related events.
5. Blood Clot Prevention: Aspirin is used as an antiplatelet medication to prevent the formation of blood clots in conditions such as ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and coronary artery disease.
6. Prevention of Certain Cancers: Some studies suggest that long-term, low-dose aspirin use may reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
7. Treatment of Kawasaki Disease: Aspirin is part of the standard treatment regimen for Kawasaki disease, a rare childhood illness that causes inflammation in the blood vessels.
8. Management of Preeclampsia: In pregnant women with preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria, aspirin may be prescribed to reduce the risk of complications.