When salicylic acid is heated with methyl alcohol, the carboxyl group of salicylic acid is esterified producing a strong-smelling liquid ester (methyl salicylate). Aspirin is prepared by chemical synthesis from salicylic acid, through acetylation with acetic anhydride.
Hence, reagent ′Y′ and ′X′ respectively are: CH3OH/H+,Δ and (CH3CO)2O/H+.
