[dev1]

Hi, I was presented with the following question and I need confirmation/criticism on my answer:

If pure Acetylsalicylic acid is mixed in a 50:50 mixture with the following, what would you expect for the melting point?

a)Salicylic acid
b)Benzoin

Ok, so I know acetylsalicylic m.p. is 135-135.5 celsius, salicylic acid has a m.p. of 156-158 celsius, and benzoin has a m.p. of 132-133 celsius.

I'm not too sure on the question if it's asking for me to determine the actual eutectic point (e) with a range or just asking me what would happen but I presume it's the latter as it would be absurd for them to be asking me to calculate the e point without any background information.

Anyhow, I presume the answer is simply the melting point of the two constituents mixed in a 50:50 mixture will be less than the lower of the melting point of the two constituents alone. Is this correct?
i.e. salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid mixture of 50:50 will yield a melting point below that of acetylsalicylic acid (the lower of the two melting point ranges).
So, the m.p. range (eutectic point) is below 135-135.5.

Is that correct and is there a simple formula for calculating the eutectic point?

[KritikalMass]

My money is on them not wanting you to calculate the eutectic point.