[Hgrigsby]

OK here goes another one.  Asprin will loose its medicinal properties if allowed to reside in moist air.  This decomposition process will develop an acetic smell, write the balanced decomposition reaction.

So do I start with C9H8O4------>and break it down?  Down to what?  How do I seperate that?  *delete me*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Yggdrasil]

Try looking at the actual chemical structure of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).  Also, think of a common household compound with an acetic smell.  This should help you figure out what are the products of the hydrolysis of aspirin.  Once you figure it out, you can post here and I'll tell you if you're on the right track.

[xiankai]

first, reform the molecular formula into a structural formula; that will tell u the components of aspirin.

[AWK]

This is a simple hydrolysis of aspirin
aspirin + water = salicylic acid + acetic acid

[Hgrigsby]

   AHA Moment!  I forgot the water, put that in and now I am at peace.  Thanks!