Question

Identify the structural formula of aspirin.

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Hint:

Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, with COOH and an acetoxy group on adjacent ring carbons.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. It is made by acetylating the phenolic -OH of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride.

Step 2: Structure
The benzene ring carries a -COOH group and, on the adjacent (ortho) carbon, an acetoxy group \(\text{-OCOCH}_{3}\). It is 2-acetoxybenzoic acid.

Step 3: Compare with similar compounds
The ring with -OH and -COOH is salicylic acid, the ring with -OH and \(\text{-COOCH}_{3}\) is methyl salicylate, and the ring with two \(\text{-COOCH}_{3}\) groups is dimethyl phthalate.

Final Answer:
Aspirin is the structure with ortho -COOH and -OCOCH3 groups. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Structure with ortho -COOH and -OCOCH}_{3}\text{ groups}} \]