molecular formula of aspirin

What is the molecular formula of aspirin?

A. C9H8O4                                                        B. C8H9NO2
C. C6H12O6                                                                  D. CH3COOH

EXPLANATION

Aspirin is the common name for the compound:

Acetylsalicylic Acid

Molecular Formula of Aspirin:

  • C₉H₈O₄ ✅

This means each molecule of aspirin contains:

  • 9 Carbon atoms (C)

  • 8 Hydrogen atoms (H)

  • 4 Oxygen atoms (O)

Structure Overview:

  • Aspirin is derived from salicylic acid by acetylation of the hydroxyl group.

  • It contains:

    • A benzene ring

    • A carboxylic acid group (-COOH)

    • An ester group (-COOCH₃)

Incorrect Options:

Option Compound Why It’s Incorrect
B) C₈H₉NO₂ Paracetamol (acetaminophen) Not aspirin
C) C₆H₁₂O₆ Glucose A sugar, not aspirin
D) CH₃COOH Acetic acid A component used in synthesis of aspirin, not the final compound

✅ Therefore,

The molecular formula of aspirin is:
✔️ C₉H₈O₄

molecular formula of aspirin