The aspirin screen experiment has been designed to be a flexible open tool for teachers and students which allows students to run their own reaction online before taking part in the real thing. This also features an in-depth practical guide and a set of accompanying worksheets covering the theory.

This resource allows students to run their own synthesis experiment on a computer or tablet before taking part in the real thing. The advantages to this approach are that the students will become more confident and familiar with the procedures in the laboratory. They may also feel less rushed and gain a better understanding for the reason of each task. After using this resource feedback suggests there is more time in class to focus on practical skills and developing understanding.

The synthesis of aspirin is an organic chemistry experiment in many specifications for students of ages 16-18 years. Each of the four levels take approximately 30 minutes to complete and are designed to be used as pre-lab activities in class or as homework. These explanatory demonstration

This virtual experiment works best on a desktop PC using the Chrome browser 

Downloads

Websites

Additional information

The Royal Society of Chemistry would like to thank Dr Simon Rees (Chemistry Teaching Fellow, The Foundation Centre, Durham University) for his help and advice during the development of this resource.