Starting with 4.6 mL of acetic anhydride with a density of 1.082, how many grams of acetylsalicylic acid (theoretical yield) can be made? Assume acetic anhydride is the limiting reagent and a one to one stoichiometry. Use the molecular weights that you have already calculated. Give two significant digits.

We can make 8.8 grams of  acetylsalicylic acid

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

acetic anhydride = C4H6O3

Volume of acetic anhydride = 4.6 mL = 0.0046 L

Density acetic anhydride = 1.082 g/mL

acetylsalicylic acid = C9H8O4

Step 2: The balanced equation

C4H6O3 + C7H6O3 → C9H8O4 + C2H4O2

Step 3: Calculate mass acetic anhydride

Mass = density * volume

MAss acetic anhydride = 1.082 g/mL * 4.6 grams

Mass acetic anhydride = 4.9772 grams

Step 4: Calculate moles acetic anhydride

Moles = mass / molar mass

Moles acetic anhydride = 4.9772 grams /  102.09 g/mol

Moles acetic anhydride = 0.04875 moles

Step 5: Calculate moles acetylsalicylic acid

For 1 mol C4H6O3 we need 1 mol C7H6O3 to produce 1 mol C9H8O4 and 1 mol C2H4O2

For 0.04875 moles C4H6O3 we'll have 0.04875 moles C9H8O4

Step 6: Calculate mass acetylsalicylic acid

Mass acetylsalicylic acid = moles acetylsalicylic acid / molar mass acetylsalicylic acid

Mass acetylsalicylic acid = 0.04875 moles * 180.158 g/mol

Mass acetylsalicylic acid = 8.8 grams

We can make 8.8 grams of  acetylsalicylic acid