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  • Paracetamol Synthesis: Understanding the Acetylation of p-Aminophenol
    The product formed by the acetylation of p-aminophenol with acetic anhydride and NaOH is paracetamol (acetaminophen).

    Here's the breakdown:

    * p-aminophenol has an amino group (-NH2) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the benzene ring.

    * Acetic anhydride (CH3CO)2O is a reactive compound that introduces acetyl groups (CH3CO-)

    * NaOH is a base used to deprotonate the amine group, making it more nucleophilic.

    The Reaction:

    1. NaOH deprotonates the amino group of p-aminophenol, forming the more reactive aminophenolate ion.

    2. The aminophenolate ion reacts with acetic anhydride, replacing one of the acetyl groups with the p-aminophenol molecule.

    3. The product is N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, also known as paracetamol or acetaminophen.

    Chemical Equation:

    ```

    p-aminophenol + (CH3CO)2O + NaOH → N-acetyl-p-aminophenol + CH3COONa + H2O

    ```

    Note: The reaction is carried out in a solvent, typically water or a mixture of water and ethanol.

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