salicylic acid
Active chemical constituent of aspirin, an analgesic drug. The acid and its salts (salicylates) occur naturally in many plants; concentrated sources include willow bark and oil of wintergreen.
When purified, salicylic acid is a white solid that crystallizes into prismatic needles at 159°C/318°F. It is used as an antiseptic, in food preparation and dyestuffs, and in the preparation of aspirin.
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