Using Aspirin as a Teaching Tool

Abstract

In the LaboratoryHartel and Hanna describe a laboratory experiment useful in the high school through organic chemistry setting. The experiment begins with one familiar substance (aspirin), and students use acyl substitution to generate another (wintergreen fragrance). One could generate a unit in an existing course focusing on aspirin to teach about drug discovery, organic synthesis and modification, and quantitative analysis. Below, Liana Lamont of the Editorial Staff suggests additional resources that are available through JCE Online (http://www.jce.divched.org) for exploring these topics.To provide students with background information, check out the following articles at JCE Online: