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Benzoic Acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H6O2
CAS number
65-85-0
IUPAC name
benzoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, benzoic acid is in a solid state. It is not volatile at room temperatures and has a crystalline nature.

Melting point (Celsius)
122.40
Melting point (Kelvin)
395.55
Boiling point (Celsius)
249.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
522.15
General information
Molecular weight
122.12g/mol
Molar mass
122.1230g/mol
Density
1.2650g/cm3
Appearence

Benzoic acid appears as a white crystalline solid with a faint, pleasant odor. Its crystals are shiny and needle-like, and it can form larger crystals under certain conditions. The compound is often encountered as a fine powdered substance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid (C7H6O2) is an organic compound with notable solubility characteristics. Its solubility can be understood through several key points:

  • Polar Nature: Benzoic acid contains a carboxylic acid functional group (-COOH) which increases its polarity, allowing for enhanced interactions with polar solvents.
  • Solvent Dependence: It is soluble in a variety of solvents, particularly in water and organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility of benzoic acid is temperature-dependent, generally increasing as the temperature rises. For instance, the solubility is around 0.3 g/100 mL at 0°C, but increases significantly to approximately 1.5 g/100 mL at 100°C.
  • pH Influence: Benzoic acid's solubility in water is also affected by the pH level of the solution. At higher pH levels, benzoic acid can exist in its anionic form (benzoate ion), which is significantly more soluble in water.

In summary, the solubility profile of benzoic acid is influenced by its polarity, the type of solvent, temperature, and the surrounding pH conditions. Understanding these factors is essential for practical applications of this compound in various fields.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid is a fascinating organic compound with a rich history and a variety of applications, making it a staple in both chemical research and industrial processes. Here are some noteworthy aspects of this compound:

Chemical Significance

  • Natural Occurrence: Benzoic acid is found naturally in many plant species, particularly in the form of its sodium salt, sodium benzoate, which acts as a natural preservative.
  • Acid Properties: It belongs to the class of carboxylic acids, which makes it a weak acid. This results in strong interactions with bases, and it can participate in processes such as deprotonation.
  • Reactivity: Benzoic acid can engage in various chemical reactions, such as esterification, amidation, and reduction, making it a versatile building block in organic synthesis.

Applications

  • Preservative: It is widely used as a food preservative due to its antimicrobial properties, helping to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
  • Industrial Uses: In the industrial sector, benzoic acid serves as a precursor for the production of numerous chemicals, including benzoates and plasticizers.
  • Pharmaceuticals: It also finds its application in pharmaceuticals, helping to produce medications and anti-fungal agents.

Health and Safety

While benzoic acid is generally recognized as safe in moderation, it is crucial to consider potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Moreover, studies have shown that high concentrations can lead to irritation of the skin and eyes.

Interesting Tidbit

Fascinatingly, benzoic acid was first discovered in the 16th century from the resin of the benzoin tree, and its name is derived from gum benzoin. In essence, its historical roots tie back to ancient practices long before it was synthesized in labs.

Overall, benzoic acid exemplifies the bridge between nature and synthetic chemistry, showcasing how a simple compound can yield profound effects in everyday applications.

Synonyms
benzoic acid
65-85-0
Dracylic acid
benzenecarboxylic acid
Carboxybenzene
Benzeneformic acid
phenylformic acid
Benzenemethanoic acid
Phenylcarboxylic acid
benzoate
Retardex
Benzoesaeure GK
Benzoesaeure GV
Retarder BA
Tenn-Plas
Acide benzoique
Salvo liquid
Solvo powder
Benzoesaeure
Benzoic acid, tech.
Unisept BZA
HA 1 (acid)
Kyselina benzoova
Benzoic acid (natural)
HA 1
Benzoate (VAN)
Benzenemethonic acid
FEMA No. 2131
Vevovitall
Acido benzoico
Menno-florades
NSC 149
Benzoesaeure [German]
Caswell No. 081
Diacylic acid
Oracylic acid
Benzoicum acidum
CCRIS 1893
HSDB 704
Acide benzoique [French]
Acido benzoico [Italian]
E 210
Kyselina benzoova [Czech]
AI3-0310
AI3-03710
Diacylate
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 009101
CHEBI:30746
Salvo powder
Acidum benzoicum
NSC-149
UNII-8SKN0B0MIM
E210
Salvo, liquid
Solvo, powder
8SKN0B0MIM
Benzoic acid (e 210)
EINECS 200-618-2
MFCD00002398
Tennplas
DTXSID6020143
Retarded BA
INS-210
Aromatic carboxylic acid
Benzoic acid [USP:JAN]
BENZOIC-4-D1 ACID
DTXCID80143
INS NO.210
E-210
EC 200-618-2
Benzeneformate
Benzenemethanoate
Phenylcarboxylate
Benzenecarboxylate
Benzoic acid 100 microg/mL in Acetone
Benzoicacid
Benzoic acid (USP:JAN)
BENZOIC ACID (II)
BENZOIC ACID [II]
Benzoic Acid 2000 microg/mL in Dichloromethane
BENZOIC ACID (MART.)
BENZOIC ACID [MART.]
BENZOIC ACID (USP-RS)
BENZOIC ACID [USP-RS]
BENZOIC ACID (EP MONOGRAPH)
BENZOIC ACID [EP MONOGRAPH]
BENZOIC ACID (USP MONOGRAPH)
BENZOIC ACID [USP MONOGRAPH]
Acid, Benzoic
Benzoic acid [USAN:JAN]
CAS-65-85-0
MFCD00002400
NSC7918
B A
Benzoic acid (TN)
phenylcarboxy
Dracylate
ProvitaCombat
benzoic aicd
benzoic-acid
benzoic_acid
bezoic acid
Aromatic acid
benzenecarboxylic
Benzoicum Ac
Eyelids Wipes
benzoic- acid
Provita Equiband
Retarder BAX
1gyx
1kqb
Rheumatism Diarrhea
Sodium benzoic acid
Benzoic Acid,(S)
CARBOXYLBENZENE
DIACYCLIC ACID
DRACYCLIC ACID
benzene carboxylic acid
760 - Preservatives
ANTAZOLINE_met016
Benzoic acid (Standard)
WLN: QVR
benzene-2-carboxylic acid
EUCATROPINE_met034
CYCLANDELATE_met022
BENZOIC ACID [MI]
Benzoic acid, ACS reagent
bmse000300
CHEMBL541
Epitope ID:139965
BENZOIC ACID [FCC]
BENZOIC ACID [JAN]
SCHEMBL1378
BENZOIC ACID [FHFI]
BENZOIC ACID [HSDB]
SAMPL4, O1
TRIPELENNAMINE_met034
Benzoic acid (JP18/USP)
BENZOIC ACID [VANDF]
MLS002415717
27 - Preservatives in Cream
BIDD:ER0597
BENZOIC ACID [WHO-DD]
BENZOIC ACID [WHO-IP]
Benzoic acid, AR, >=99%
Benzoic acid, LR, >=99%
NSC149
31 - Preservatives in Mascara
BENZOICUM ACIDUM [HPUS]
HY-N0216R
Benzoic acid (7CI,8CI,9CI)
Benzoic acid, analytical standard
Benzoic acid, p.a., 99.5%
MSK2501
BENZOIC ACID [GREEN BOOK]
BDBM197302
HMS2092F18
HMS2267D03
HMS3652B03
Pharmakon1600-01503001
HY-N0216
MBA96084
SAA21784
Tox21_202403
Tox21_300180
NSC758203
s4161
STK301730
Benzoic acid, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
AKOS000119619
1ST2501
BS-3752
CCG-213088
DB03793
FB33492
NSC-758203
ACIDUM BENZOICUM [WHO-IP LATIN]
Benzoic acid, >=99.5%, FCC, FG
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 009101
Benzoic acid, ACS reagent, >=99.5%
NCGC00091886-01
NCGC00091886-02
NCGC00091886-03
NCGC00091886-05
NCGC00254112-01
NCGC00259952-01
TIAPROFENIC ACID IMPURITY D [EP]
Benzoic acid, USP, 99.5-100.5%
BP-30148
MSK2501-1000
SMR001252220
SY009192
SY236257
Benzoic acid, tested according to Ph.Eur.
SBI-0206720.P001
Benzoic acid, SAJ first grade, >=99.5%
DB-029471
B0062
B2635
CS-0008257
NS00008785
SW219833-1
Benzoic acid, natural, >=99.5%, FCC, FG
Benzoic acid, SAJ special grade, >=99.5%
Benzoic acid, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%
EN300-18007
1ST2501-1000
2-BENZOYL-5-METHOXYBENZOQUINONE_met032
Benzoic acid, meets USP testing specifications
Benzoic acid, purified by sublimation, >=99%
C00180
C00539
D00038
D85168
MEFENAMIC ACID IMPURITY D [EP IMPURITY]
AB00949635_05
AB00949635_06
A835250
Benzoic acid Solution in Acetonitrile, 1000?g/mL
Benzoic Acid Zone Refined (number of passes:20)
Q191700
SR-05000001919
Benzoic acid Solution in Acetonitrile, 1000mug/mL
Benzoic acid, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, 99.9%
SR-05000001919-1
0BE368DC-6DE6-4927-AECF-E4BB2968A4A0
BRD-K53397409-001-11-5
BRD-K53397409-001-12-3
BRD-K53397409-001-13-1
GLYCOPYRRONIUM BROMIDE IMPURITY D [EP IMPURITY]
Melting point standard 121-123C, analytical standard
METRONIDAZOLE BENZOATE IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY]
Z57127480
F2191-0092
HYDROUS BENZOYL PEROXIDE IMPURITY B [EP IMPURITY]
Benzoic acid, NIST(R) SRM(R) 39j, calorimetric standard
Benzoic acid, Standard for quantitative NMR, TraceCERT(R)
METHYLAMINOLEVULINATE HYDROCHLORIDE IMPURITY I [EP]
Benzoic acid, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Mettler-Toledo Calibration substance ME 18555, Benzoic acid
Benzoic acid, for calorimetrical determination (approx. 26460 J/g)
Benzoic acid, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
InChI=1/C7H6O2/c8-7(9)6-4-2-1-3-5-6/h1-5H,(H,8,9
SS Benzoic Acid, 2000 mug/mL in dichloromethane, analytical standard
Benzoic acid, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
Benzoic acid, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. Ph. Eur., >=99.9% (alkalimetric)
14322-82-8
200-618-2
Benzoic acid, certified reference material for titrimetry, certified by BAM according to ISO 17025, >=99.5%
Benzoic acid, meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, USP, FCC, E210, 99.5-100.5% (alkalimetric)
Mettler-Toledo Calibration substance ME 18555, Benzoic acid, analytical standard, for the calibration of the thermosystem 900, traceable to primary standards (LGC)
ScavengePore(TM) benzoic acid, macroporous, 40-70 mesh, extent of labeling: 0.5-1.5 mmol per g loading