Making
Paracetamol: A
Step-by-Step
Guide
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a common pain
reliever. This guide outlines the process of making paracetamol in
a laboratory setting. Safety precautions are essential throughout
the procedure.
by Nayla Fakhirah
03501782240211
Safety First: Precautions
and Equipment
Protective Gear Ventilation
Wear safety goggles, Work in a well-ventilated
gloves, and a lab coat to area or under a fume hood
protect yourself from to avoid inhaling harmful
chemical exposure. fumes.
Fire Safety First Aid
Keep a fire extinguisher Have an eyewash station
nearby, as some chemicals and safety shower
used are flammable. accessible in case of
accidents.
Gathering Materials and
Chemicals
1 4-Aminophenol 2 Acetic Anhydride
This is the primary Used to acetylate the 4-
starting material for aminophenol.
paracetamol synthesis.
3 Phosphoric Acid 4 Equipment
Acts as a catalyst in the Round-bottom flask,
reaction. thermometer, hot plate,
and magnetic stirrer are
essential.
Preparing the Reaction Mixture
1 Measure 4-Aminophenol
Accurately weigh 10 grams of 4-aminophenol using an
analytical balance.
2 Add Acetic Anhydride
Carefully add 12 mL of acetic anhydride to the 4-aminophenol.
3 Introduce Catalyst
Add 2 mL of phosphoric acid to catalyse the reaction.
4 Mix Thoroughly
Gently swirl the flask to ensure all components are well mixed.
Initiating the Reaction
Set Up Apparatus Heat Mixture Monitor Temperature Continue Reaction
Place the round-bottom Gradually heat the mixture Use a thermometer to Maintain these conditions
flask on a hot plate with a to 50-60°C while stirring ensure the temperature for about 10-15 minutes to
magnetic stirrer. continuously. remains within the optimal complete the reaction.
range.
Cooling and Crystallisation
1 Remove Heat
Turn off the hot plate and allow the reaction mixture to cool
naturally.
2 Add Ice
Once cooled, add crushed ice to the mixture to induce
crystallisation.
3 Stir Gently
Use a glass rod to stir the mixture, encouraging crystal formation.
4 Wait Patiently
Allow the crystals to form fully over 15-20 minutes.
Filtration and Washing
Prepare Filter Filter Crystals Wash Product
Set up a Büchner funnel with filter Pour the crystal mixture into the Rinse the crystals with small
paper and attach to a vacuum funnel, allowing the vacuum to amounts of cold distilled water to
flask. draw liquid through. remove impurities.
Drying and Weighing
Air Dry
Spread the crystals on clean filter paper and allow to air dry completely.
Weigh Product
Use an analytical balance to determine the mass of your paracetamol crystals.
Calculate Yield
Compare the actual yield to the theoretical yield to determine efficiency.
Quality Control and
Storage
Test Method Expected Result
Melting Point Melting Point 169-170°C
Apparatus
Purity Thin-Layer Single Spot
Chromatography
Identity Infrared Match Reference
Spectroscopy Spectrum
