We have made a series of 4- and 5-aryl- and 4- and 5-heteroarylsalicylic acid derivatives with the objective of reducing gastric irritation and increasing potency. Here we describe a series of 4- and 5-heterocyclic salicylic acids and their antiinflammatory-analgesic potencies measured in comparison to aspirin. An improvement of the therapeutic index over aspirin of 100 was achieved; however, the heterocyclic salicylic acids lacked antipyretic activity. Some physicochemical parameters which may bear on the antiinflammatory activity of these compounds are discussed.