Salicylic acid and acetic acid can both irritate the stomach, but when they are joined by a chemical reaction, the result is safe for most people. Unfortunately, air, heat, ...

Salicylic acid and acetic acid can both irritate the stomach, but when they are joined by a chemical reaction, the result is safe for most people. Unfortunately, air, heat, ...

A beacon of hope was recently lit when researchers discovered acid hydrolysis of a vinyl polymer breaks down into salicylic acid and acetic acid, ... These acids form aspirin through some reactions.

Figure 2. The hydrolysis (reaction with water) of an ester to give a carboxylic acid and alcoho l. It is this second reaction that makes aspirin go "bad" (Figure 3). If moisture has gotten into the ...