Salicylate
What is Salicylate?
Salicylates are the salts and esters of salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid), the most notable being aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), sodium salicylate, and methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen). They are widely used as analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agents, acting primarily by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Salicylates also have applications as food preservatives, in sunscreens (as UV absorbers), and in the synthesis of dyes and pharmaceuticals.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Salicylates are the salts and esters of salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid), the most notable being aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), sodium salicylate, and methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen). They are widely used as analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agents, acting primarily by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Salicylates also have applications as food preservatives, in sunscreens (as UV absorbers), and in the synthesis of dyes and pharmaceuticals.