I. Introduction

"Acetic anhydride, a key ingredient in aspirin production, is a versatile chemical used in various industries." In this experiment, we will synthesize acetic anhydride from acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate.

II. Materials and Equipment

• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Lab coat
• Reactor
• Condenser
• Temperature sensor x3
• Pressure sensor x2
• Flow sensor x2
• Heater
• Mixer
• Stainless steel tanks x4
• Vinegar (74.5L)
• Sodium bicarbonate (4.88kgs)
• Acetyl chloride (3.77L)

III. Procedure

1. In the “Reactor”, Turn ON the mixer

Add 74.5L vinegar and 4.88kgs sodium acetate periodically to avoid fizzing reaction [Rx 1]

2. Turn ON the heating system in the jacket to reach 120 °C until the formation of sodium acetate to create anhydrous conditions
3. Cooldown between 50-80 °C, add 3.77L acetyl chloride and Turn ON the mixer [Rx 2]
4. Add 5L of toluene as “solvent” acts as a reaction medium and facilitator, enhancing interaction, controlling temperature, and aiding product isolation.
5. After the reaction completed, turn ON the water circulation in the condenser to start the distillation by turn ON the heating to 110 °C to evaporate the acetone (tank P1).
6. increase the temperature to 140 °C to evaporate the Acetic Anhydride (tank P2).
7. Turn OFF the system, test the purity and the yield of acetic anhydride

Safety

-Toluene: Sweet aroma, hidden dangers - inhalation, skin, and fire risks; long-term impacts on organs, development, and nervous system.

-Acetyl chloride: corrosive, flammable, explosive, lung irritant, potential carcinogen.

-Acetic anhydride: highly corrosive, burns eyes and skin, inhaling damages lungs, potential carcinogen, flammable, and reacts violently with many substances.

⚠️ Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling these chemicals