Isolate Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Here, I will isolate Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) from Extra Strength Tylenol tablets.
First, measure out 300mL of denatured alcohol. Then, add 40 Extra Strength Tylenol tablets that contain 500mg of Paracetamol each. This should be put on a hotplate set on low heat. The mixture should be stirred and occasionally shaken for about 45 minutes. The slurry should then be filtered to remove any other ingredients in the tablets (ie. binders). The final solution should be boiled down to produce a fluffy, white powder of Paracetamol. The Paracetamol should be transferred into an airtight bottle for storage. After recrystalization, I was left with 16g of Paracetamol, corresponding to a 80% recovery. It melts at 168 to 169°C proving a rather high purity.
First, measure out 300mL of denatured alcohol. Then, add 40 Extra Strength Tylenol tablets that contain 500mg of Paracetamol each. This should be put on a hotplate set on low heat. The mixture should be stirred and occasionally shaken for about 45 minutes. The slurry should then be filtered to remove any other ingredients in the tablets (ie. binders). The final solution should be boiled down to produce a fluffy, white powder of Paracetamol. The Paracetamol should be transferred into an airtight bottle for storage. After recrystalization, I was left with 16g of Paracetamol, corresponding to a 80% recovery. It melts at 168 to 169°C proving a rather high purity.