Chemical database: 16. Acetylsalicylic acid

Acetylsalicylic acid (C9H8O4) is a organic compound that comes in form of a white powder at standard conditions. Density = 1.40 g/cm3. Melting point = 135°C. Boiling point = ? (it decomposes at 140°C). Acetylsalicylic acid has many applications in medicine. It is used asn an analgesic, antipyretic and it also has anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps in the prevention of heart attacks. There are also many other medicinal uses of this compound. The fact that annually more than 40000 tonnes of this compound are used, additionaly proves the importance of this compound. Along with its medicinal uses, acetylsalicylic acid is also used in various organic syntheses, as a reagent from which various other substances can be obtained.

Acetylsalicylic acid can be bought in drugstores/pharmacies in form of a common product known as "Aspirin". It can also be found, usually a bit cheaper and in larger amounts, in stores that sell medications for animals. However, there is a possibility that such acetylsalicylic acid is of lower quality. This compound can also be ordered from certain chemical selling companies.