CHEMISTRY PROJECT

NAME :
CLASS : XII
SUBJECT CODE : 043
ACADEMIC YEAR : 2024 – 2025
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified to be the Bonafide project work done by

Class 12 in

during the academic

year: 2024-2025 at Saraswathi Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School,

Vadapalani, Chennai-26.

Dated: Subject Instructor

Submitted for All India Senior Secondary Practical Examination held

in

at Saraswathi Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School, Chennai.

Dated: External Examiner

Principal
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my greatest appreciation to all individuals who have

helped and supported me throughout the project. I am thankful to my teacher

Ms/Mr. and our Principal

Mr. for their ongoing support during the project, from

initial advice, and encouragement, which led to the final report of this project.

A special acknowledgement goes to my classmates who helped me in

completing the project by exchanging interesting ideas and sharing their

experience.

I wish to thank my parents as well for their undivided support and interest who

inspired me and encouraged me to go my own way, without whom I would be

unable to complete my project.

At the end, I want to thank my friends who displayed appreciation to my work

and motivated me to continue my work.

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 INDEX

S.No. Table of Contents Page No.

1. Introduction 1
● What is Paracetamol?
● History of Paracetamol
● Industrial Production of Paracetamol

2. Different forms of Paracetamol 4

3. Effects of Paracetamol 5

4. Aim and Materials Required 6

5. Procedure 7

6. Observation 9

7. Result 10

8. Photos 11

9. Bibliography 12
 INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS PARACETAMOL?

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most widely used

medications for treating mild to moderate pain and reducing fever. It is available
over-the-counter in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, syrups, and
suppositories, making it easily accessible for common ailments like headaches,
muscle pain, toothaches, and the symptoms of colds and flu.

Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the brain,

called prostaglandins, that are involved in the pain and inflammation process.
However, unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like
ibuprofen, paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties.

One of the main advantages of paracetamol is that it is generally well-tolerated,

with fewer side effects compared to other pain relievers. It is often the recommended
choice for people who cannot take NSAIDs due to conditions like stomach ulcers or
certain cardiovascular issues.

However, while it is safe when taken in recommended doses, paracetamol can be

dangerous if consumed in large amounts, particularly in relation to liver damage.
Overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure worldwide.

Understanding the proper use and potential risks of paracetamol is crucial for
ensuring its safe and effective use in everyday health care.

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 HISTORY OF PARACETAMOL

Paracetamol, also called acetaminophen, has a complex history marked by

scientific breakthroughs and a quest for safer pain relief options. Its roots go back
to 1877 when Harmon Northrop Morse first synthesized it
while investigating chemicals derived from coal tar. However,
paracetamol did not initially gain attention as a potential drug,
and instead, other compounds, acetanilide and phenacetin,
were more prominent in pain management.

Harmon Northrop
In 1886, German chemists Arnold Cahn and Paul Hepp
discovered acetanilide’s pain-relieving effects almost by accident when it was
mistakenly given to a patient. Researchers eventually discovered that both
acetanilide and phenacetin were metabolized into paracetamol in the body,
which seemed to provide similar pain relief with fewer adverse effects.

By the 1940s, researchers, including David Lester and Leon Greenberg, began to
advocate for paracetamol as a safer analgesic. In 1955, McNeil Laboratories
introduced paracetamol under the brand name Tylenol in the United States, initially
as a liquid form for children. Over the decades, it became one of the most commonly
used over-the-counter medications due to its ability to manage pain and fever with a
relatively low risk of side effects compared to aspirin, which can cause
gastrointestinal irritation.

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 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION OF PARACETAMOL

In the 1970s, paracetamol gained even greater recognition as more non-prescription

options became available. Its status as a mainstay for pain relief was solidified,
especially after studies showed its effectiveness without aspirin's risks. However,
paracetamol is not without danger. Excessive use or overdose can lead to acute
liver damage, a risk that prompted educational efforts and safety warnings
worldwide. Today, paracetamol remains widely accessible and trusted, with ongoing
studies exploring new applications and forms. Its history reflects a balance of
scientific discovery and patient safety, highlighting the importance of responsible
drug development and usage.

The industrial production of paracetamol typically involves a synthesis process

starting with phenol.

First, phenol is nitrated to form para-nitrophenol, which is then reduced to para-

aminophenol. In the next step, para-aminophenol is reacted with acetic anhydride
or acetyl chloride to produce paracetamol through an acetylation reaction,
introducing an acetyl group to form the final compound. This method is widely used
due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, enabling large-scale production. After
synthesis, paracetamol is purified, tested for quality, and then formulated into
tablets, capsules, or liquid forms for distribution.

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 DIFFERENT FORMS OF PARACETAMOL

A lot of people are unaware of the different types of paracetamol that exist. We
ourselves were not aware of it until we started researching in-depth for our project.

Paracetamol, or acetaminophen, is available in various formulations tailored to

different needs and administration methods. The most common form is the oral
tablet, which provides standard pain and fever relief. For those with swallowing
difficulties, liquid suspensions are popular, especially for children, as they offer
precise dosing and a palatable form. Effervescent tablets, dissolved in water, allow
faster absorption and are ideal for quick relief.

For chronic or persistent pain, extended-release tablets are available; these release
the drug gradually to maintain a steady effect over several hours. Capsules and
caplets also offer oral options with varying release times.

Rectal suppositories serve patients who cannot take oral medications, like those
experiencing severe nausea. In hospitals, intravenous (IV) paracetamol is often
used for fast, controlled pain relief in acute cases, allowing precise dosage without
gastrointestinal impact. Each form provides flexibility for treating pain and fever in
a wide range of patient scenarios.

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 EFFECTS OF PARACETAMOL

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) primarily works by inhibiting the enzyme

cyclooxygenase (COX), specifically COX-2, in the brain and spinal cord. This
inhibition reduces the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain and
fever by promoting inflammation and increasing sensitivity to pain.

Paracetamol’s action is unique, as it selectively affects COX-2 in the central nervous

system without significantly impacting COX-1, which is involved in
gastrointestinal protection.

This selectivity helps minimize stomach-

related side effects common in
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs). Paracetamol also has a mild
effect on the endocannabinoid system,
which may contribute to its analgesic
(pain-relieving) effects.

It is especially effective in treating mild to

moderate pain, such as headaches, muscle aches, and reducing fever. However,
unlike NSAIDs, it does not have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Taken in
appropriate doses, paracetamol is safe, but excessive use can lead to liver toxicity,
highlighting the importance of responsible usage and dosage monitoring.

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 AIM AND MATERIALS REQUIRED

AIM:

Synthesis of crude paracetamol from available crude para aminophenol by

acetylation of 4-aminophenol with Sulphuric acid catalyst with the help of materials
available in the school laboratory

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

100 ml Beaker, Distilled water, Concentrated Sulphuric acid, Para Aminophenol,

Acetic Anhydride, Measuring cylinder, Conical flask

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 PROCEDURE

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, can be synthesized through various

methods. Below is a detailed procedure based on a common synthetic route
involving
p-Nitrosophenol.

Chemical formula of Paracetamol is C8H9NO2

Procedure
1. Prepare the Reaction Mixture:
 In a clean beaker or flask, add 200 ml of ethanol.
 Gradually add 2 g of p-Aminophenol to the ethanol while stirring until
it is completely dissolved.
2. Add Acetic Anhydride:
 Carefully measure 2.2 ml of acetic anhydride.
 Slowly add the acetic anhydride to the solution while stirring
continuously.
3. Add Sulfuric Acid:
 Add 2-3 drops of concentrated sulfuric acid to the mixture. This will
act as a catalyst for the reaction.
4. Heat the Mixture:
 Gently heat the mixture to around 50-60°C. Maintain this temperature
for about 30-60 minutes. Stir continuously to ensure uniform heating
and mixing.
5. Monitor the Reaction:

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  Observe the reaction mixture for any changes in color or consistency.
The reaction may produce heat and change the viscosity of the
solution.
6. Cool the Mixture:
 After the heating period, remove the heat source and allow the
mixture to cool to room temperature. You may also use an ice bath to
speed up the cooling process.
7. Neutralization and Extraction:
 Once cooled, carefully pour the mixture into a separatory funnel. Add
about 50-100 ml of water to help separate the organic layer.
 Allow the layers to separate, and collect the organic layer containing
the paracetamol.
8. Purification:
 If necessary, wash the organic layer with additional water or cold
ethanol to remove any impurities.
 Filter the organic layer to remove any unreacted materials or
precipitates.
9. Evaporate the Solvent:
 If you have a solution of paracetamol in ethanol, you can evaporate
the solvent under reduced pressure or by gentle heating to obtain solid
paracetamol.
10.Drying:
 Allow the final product to dry completely. You can use a desiccator or
air dry it.

Safety Precautions:
 Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as
gloves and goggles.
 Handle all chemicals, especially acetic anhydride and p-Nitrosophenol, with
care due to their hazardous nature.

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 OBSERVATION

⦁ Colour Change: During the reaction, we observed a change in colour, which

indicates the progression of the reaction or the formation of new compounds.

⦁ Temperature Change: The reaction may be exothermic or endothermic,

leading to noticeable temperature changes. This can be measured with a
thermometer.

⦁ Odor: The reaction may produce distinct odors, especially if acetic anhydride
or acetyl chloride is used, which can be pungent.

⦁ Yield Measurement: After purification, weighing the final product allows for
the calculation of yield, which can provide insight into the efficiency of the synthesis
process.

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 RESULT

The procedure outlines a method for synthesizing Paracetamol through the

hydrogenation of p-nitrosophenol followed by acetylation.

The use of a catalyst and controlled conditions is crucial for achieving a high yield
of the desired product.

Moles of Para Aminophenol taken: mass /molar mass = 0.018 moles

Theoretically obtained mass of 0.018 moles of paracetamol = 2.77 grams

Practically obtained mass of paracetamol = 1.83 grams

Percentage yield = (Practically obtained mass / Theoretically obtained mass) x 100

Thus, Yield = 66 %

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PHOTOS

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Science Eye , To prepare paracetamol from p- amino phenol, YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGl5bqo_kec

 Wikipedia, Paracetamol: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracetamol

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