The Probert Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology

SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid (ortho-hydroxy-benzoic-acid) is the active chemical constituent of aspirin. It is an aromatic acid obtained by treating with hydrochloric acid the salt obtained by the action of carbon dioxide on sodium carbonate. It occurs in nature principally as its methyl ester in the oil of wintergreen. It was formerly used as a preservative for foods and has long been used in medicine, though the dangers of excessive doses have been known since the 19th century.
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