[Phenyl]

Hey guys.

The wikipedia article of phenyl acetate, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenyl_acetate, says that phenyl acetate can be made into phenol and sodium acetate by adding sodium hydroxide.

It also says that aspirine can be decarboxylated into phenyl acetate, how is that done? I can't find anything about it.

[Hunter2]

Only heat.

[Phenyl]

Only heat.

Wouldnt that just result in salicylic acid and acetic acid?

[Hunter2]

For this you need water to crack the ester. There is normaly no water, if you heat it.

[Pranav]

Only heat.

Wouldnt that just result in salicylic acid and acetic acid?

How do you get that?
Did you check out Decarboxylation of Aromatic Acids somewhere?
Decarboxylation of aromatic acids is generally carried out by heating with copper and quinoline.

[Hunter2]

Even better if you add an catalyst.

[Pranav]

Even better if you add an catalyst.

Or use cuprous oxide instead of copper.