Starting with 6.3 g of salicylic acid, how many grams of acetylsalicylic acid (theoretical yield) can be made? Assume salicylic acid is the limiting reagent and a one to one stoichiometry. Use the molecular weights that you have already calculated. Give two significant digits. Answer:

We will produce 8.2 grams of acetylsalicylic acid

Explanation:

step 1: Data given

Mass of salicylic acid, = 6.3 grams

Molar mass salicylic acid = 138.12 g/mol

Molar mass of acetylsalicylic acid = 180.158 g/mol

Step 2: The balanced equation

C7H6O3 + C4H6O3 → C9H8O4 + C2H4O2

Step 3: Calculate moles salicylic acid

Moles salicylic acid = mass salicylic acid / molar mass salicylic acid

Moles salicylic acid = 6.3 grams / 138.12 g/mol

Moles salicylic acid = 0.0456 moles

Step 4: Calculate moles acetylsalicylic acid

Since the mole ratio is 1 to 1

For 0.0456 moles salicylic acid we'll have 0.0456 moles acetylsalicylic acid

Step 5: Calculate mass acetylsalicylic acid

MAss acetylsalicylic acid = moles acetylsalicylic acid * molar mass acetylsalicylic acid

MAss acetylsalicylic acid = 0.0456 moles * 180.158 g/mol

Mass acetylsalicylic acid = 8.2 grams

We will produce 8.2 grams of acetylsalicylic acid