salicylic acid

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

a white, crystalline, very slightly water-soluble powder, C 7 H 6 O 3 , prepared from salicin or phenol: used as a food preservative, in the manufacture of aspirin, and in medicine chiefly in the form of a salicylate as a remedy for rheumatic and gouty conditions.

salicylic acid

/ ˌsælɪˈsɪlɪk /

a white crystalline slightly water-soluble substance with a sweet taste and bitter aftertaste, used in the manufacture of aspirin, dyes, and perfumes, and as a fungicide. Formula: C 6 H 4 (OH)(COOH)

salicylic acid

/ săl′ĭ-sĭl′ĭk /

A white, crystalline acid used to make aspirin, to treat certain skin conditions, and to preserve and flavor foods. Salicylic acid is benzoic acid with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the carboxyl group (COOH). Chemical formula: C 7 H 6 O 3 .

First recorded in 1830–40

C19: from salicyl (via French from Latin salix a willow + -yl ) + -ic

Further examination indicated the presence of salicylic acid, a gummy material, having the properties of tragacanth and glycerin.

Then add a drop of ferric chlorid solution, and a violet color will be produced if salicylic acid is present.

Formaldehyde, boric acid or salicylic acid may be added to preserve the milk.

A purple or violet coloration proves the presence of salicylic acid, which in turn indicates the presence of saccharin.

This test cannot be used if salicylic acid was used as a preservative in the original product.

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