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Aspirin is sodium acetyl salicylate, that is it is the sodium salt of acetyl salicylic acid. The salicylic acid is not an impurity - it is an integral part of the molecule. I believe that acetyl salicylic acid was the original compound discovered and used, however its irritation of the stomach was considerable and eventually the sodium salt ( aspirin ) was developed, which is considerably less irritating to the stomach . PS I can't take aspirin - developed an ulcer from too much similar analgesics ( or was it from being a CG) Hope this doesn't sound too pedantic Bob Anibal