MHT CET Medical202622 April 2026Evening ShiftChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Which of the following compounds, when treated with acetic anhydride, forms aspirin?
Options
- ABenzoic acid
- B2-Hydroxybenzoic acid
- C2-Methylbenzoic acid
- DBenzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid
Correct answer
B. 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid
Step-by-step solution
Aspirin is chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid. It is prepared by the acetylation of salicylic acid, whose IUPAC name is 2-hydroxybenzoic acid. When 2-hydroxybenzoic acid is treated with acetic anhydride in the presence of an acid catalyst, the phenolic hydroxyl group undergoes acetylation to form acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and acetic acid as a byproduct. Therefore, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid forms aspirin when treated with acetic anhydride. Answer: 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid