Abstract: The synthesis experiment of acetylsalicylic acid is one of the classic experiments offered in undergraduate teaching. To address the numerous problems associated with the use of concentrated sulfuric acid as a classic catalyst in teaching, this paper screens anhydrous sodium carbonate as a suitable catalyst for undergraduate teaching experiments from 14 tested catalysts. Through experimental optimization, the optimal reactant ratio is determined as n (salicylic acid)∶n (acetic anhydride) = 1∶1.8, with a reaction temperature of 80 ℃ and a reaction time of 30 min. The crystallization time is shortened by adjusting the hydrolysis operation steps of acetic anhydride. The analysis of by-products from the two catalysts reveals that anhydrous sodium carbonate produces fewer by-products than concentrated sulfuric acid.