Benzoic acid
| Formula (Hill): | C7H6O2 |
| Chemical formula: | C6H5COOH |
| Density: | 1.321 g/cm3 (20 ºC) |
| Molar mass: | 122.12 g/mol |
| Bulk density: | ~ 500 kg/m3 |
| CAS number: | 65-85-0 |
| HS code: | 29163100 |
| EC number: | 200-618-2 |
| Storage (temperature): | Store at +5ºC to +30ºC |
| SDS | Available |
| R phrase: | R 22-36 |
| S phrase: | S 24 |
| Odour: | Characteristic |
| Form: | Solid |
| Color: | White |
| Ignition temperature: | 532 ºC |
| PH value: | 3.1 (1 g/I 20 ºC) |
| Solubility in water: | 2.9 g/I (25ºC) |
| Solubility in chloroform: | (20 ºC) soluble |
| Flash point: | 121 ºC (c.c) |
| Boiling point: | 249 ºC (1013 h Pa) |
| Melting point: | 121 – 123 ºC |
| Vapour pressure: | 1.3 Pa (20 ºC) |
| Assay | 99.5 – 100.5 | % | |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Congealing range | 121 – 123 | ºC | |
| Readily carbonizable substances | Conforms | ||
| Residue on ignition | ≤ | 0.05 | % |
| Readily oxidazable substances | ≤ | 0.5 | ml |
| Water | ≤ | 0.7 | % |
Benzoic acid is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid with the formula C₇H₆O₂ (or C₆H₅COOH). It appears as a white crystalline solid and is widely used as a food preservative and in the manufacture of various chemicals.
🏭⚗️ Production
Benzoic acid is produced industrially by the partial oxidation of toluene with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. It can also be prepared by the hydrolysis of benzotrichloride or by the carbonation of phenylmagnesium bromide.
🔬 Properties
Benzoic acid is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of about 122 °C and a boiling point of 249 °C. It is slightly soluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. It has a characteristic faint aromatic odor and is acidic due to its carboxyl group.
🧪 Applications
• Used as a food preservative (E210) due to its antimicrobial properties, especially against fungi and bacteria.
• Utilized in the manufacture of dyes, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
• Employed as a precursor in the synthesis of various organic compounds.
• Used in cosmetics and personal care products for its preservative and pH adjusting properties.
