The purpose of these calculations is to identify the limiting reagent and calculate the percent yield of the esterification reaction used to produce aspirin. This reaction was catalyzed by concentrated H2SO4, but since it is not consumed during the reaction, it does not affect the stoichiometric calculations. In order to determine the limiting reagent, the moles of reactants were calculated (Part A). Part B of the calculations illustrates the amount of aspirin produced by each reactant based on 1:1 mole ratio defined by the balanced equation of the reaction. According to these calculations, salicylic acid is the limiting reagent because it produces the least amount of aspirin. Thus, the limiting reagent, if fully consumed, dictates the theoretical
