To balance the equation for the synthesis of aspirin, we start with the unbalanced equation:
C4H6O3 + C7H6O3 → C9H8O4 + C2H4O2
Next, we count the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation:
- Left side:
- C: 4 + 7 = 11
- H: 6 + 6 = 12
- O: 3 + 3 = 6
- Right side:
- C: 9 + 2 = 11
- H: 8 + 4 = 12
- O: 4 + 2 = 6
Both sides have the same number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, which means the equation is balanced as it is. Therefore, the balanced equation for the synthesis of aspirin is:
C4H6O3 + C7H6O3 → C9H8O4 + C2H4O2
This equation shows how two reactants combine to form aspirin (C9H8O4) and acetic acid (C2H4O2). The conservation of mass principle states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, so it is crucial for a balanced equation to reflect that principle.