Methyl salicylate + NaOH --> disodium salicylate + Ch3OH + H20 disodium salicylate + H2SO4 --> salicylic acid + Na2SO4 The two chemical equations above are for the synthesis of salicylic acid. In the second equation, when H2SO4 is added quickly to disodium salicylate, smokes appear as a result of a fast exothermic reaction. Does some of the disodium salicylate evaporate?