Subsalicylatum

Subsalicylatum refers to a group of chemical compounds that are salts or esters of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid itself is a beta-hydroxy acid with the formula C7H6O3. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in alcohol and ether. Subsalicylatum compounds are derived from salicylic acid by replacing one or more of the hydrogen atoms with metal cations (salts) or organic groups (esters).

A well-known example of a subsalicylatum is bismuth subsalicylate, which is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter medications used to treat diarrhea and upset stomach. This compound is a coordination complex of bismuth and salicylate ions. Other examples include metal salicylates like sodium salicylate and magnesium salicylate, which have been used for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Organic esters of salicylic acid, such as methyl salicylate and ethyl salicylate, are often used as flavoring agents or in topical preparations for their scent and warming sensation. The specific properties and uses of a subsalicylatum depend on the nature of the cation or organic group attached to the salicylate moiety.