In order to understand what is the limiting reactant is useful to convert the masses of reactants into moles. The molecular masses are:
Converting masses into moles:
In the reaction, 2 moles of
are necessary to react with 1 mol of 
. Following this ratio:
We have only 0.5 mol of, i.e, we don't have enough amount of salicylic acid, therefore, this is the limiting reactant.
Converting masses into moles:
In the reaction, 2 moles of
We have only 0.5 mol of