See section 5.3 in your text for the set-ups for such problems. You will need to calculate the molecular weights of salicylic acid and aspirin to solve the problem. Experiment It is extremely important that you start with a very clean beaker and that you add the chemicals in the order given, while stirring with a clean stirring rod. If the solution turns dark at this point, you must throw all materials away and begin again. This is the most dangerous reaction you have done so far from the standpoint of your eyes.
All rules regarding safety glasses are important.
This answer is worth 16 pts. Points will be taken off for a melting point range which is too wide or too low indicating an impure or wet product. Take the time to dry your product properly and save yourself some lost points. This week's lab involves the hydrolysis of an ester in the presence of a base. The ester will be a vegetable oil, which is an ester of glycerol, a trihydroxy alcohol.