2006-10-17 10:15:07 · 7 answers · asked by redheadsushi86 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. Vinegar is acetic acid. When aspirin absorbs water and breaks down, the acetyl is released....
By the way, the salicylic part of the name refers to the genus "Salix" - that is the willow tree. So the old herbal remedy of chewing on a willow twig to reduce the pain of a toothache has some basis in pharmacology (unlike most folk 'remedies').
2006-10-17 10:17:44 · answer #1 · answered by matt 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aspirin is made by the reaction
Salicylic acid + acetic acid ---> aspirin + H2O
During the production the water is removed leaving the aspirin.
When aspirin is subjec to humid conditions, the reverse reaction will happen.
aspirin + H2O ---> Salicylic acid + acetic acid
Vinegar is 5% acetic acid. That is why old aspirin, or better, wet or humid aspirin will smell like vinegar.
2006-10-17 10:55:39 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. J. 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aspirin is 2-acetylsalicylic acid. When the acetyl group is hydrolyzed, it forms salicylic acid and acetic acid (vinegar).
2006-10-17 10:28:31 · answer #3 · answered by davisoldham 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never smelled it, but Aspirin IS acid. Acetylsalicylic acid.
2006-10-17 10:23:17 · answer #4 · answered by Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe this is some type of Satanic ritual... Satanists do this they wet there underwear and then spread vinegar all over their bodies in an attempt to talk to the devil.
2016-03-18 21:14:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out theexpiration date if it is expired flush it down the toilet and throw the bottle in the trash , if any medicines has a weird smell do not use get rid of it
2006-10-17 10:23:24 · answer #6 · answered by cozjeanda 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could it be the acid in them? Maybe not as healthy as you would think?
2006-10-17 10:16:55 · answer #7 · answered by sarell 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋