Acetylsalicylic acid
[CAS# 50-78-2]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Antipyretic analgesics >> Antipyretic and analgesic
• Name: Acetylsalicylic acid
• Synonyms: 2-Acetoxybenzoic acid; Aspirin
• Molecular Formula: C₉H₈O₄
• Molecular Weight: 180.16
• CAS Registry Number: 50-78-2
• EC Number: 200-064-1

Properties

• Density: 1.35
• Melting point: 136-140 °C
• Flash point: 250 °C
• Water solubility: 3.3 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: Xn
• Risk Statements: R22;R36/37/38
• Safety Statements: S26;S36/37/39

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Respiratory sensitization	Resp. Sens.	1	H334
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1A	H360
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	2	H371
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373

• Transport Information: UN 1851

Discovery and Applications

1. Synthesis: Mitchell, J. A., et al. (1997). "Sodium salicylate inhibits cyclo-oxygenase-2 activity independently of transcription factor (nuclear factor kappaB) activation: synthesis of aspirin revisited." Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 56(5), 393-397.
DOI: 10.1016/S0952-3278(97)90598-0

2. Applications: Lipton, R. B., et al. (2019). "Efficacy and safety of aspirin in the acute treatment of migraine: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 59(8), 1215-1226.
DOI: 10.1111/head.13610

3. Review: Vane, J. R., & Botting, R. M. (2003). "The mechanism of action of aspirin." Thrombosis Research, 110(5-6), 255-258.
DOI: 10.1016/S0049-3848(03)00379-7