Benzoic acid
[CAS# 65-85-0]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Synthetic anti-infective drugs >> Disinfectant antiseptic
• Name: Benzoic acid
• Synonyms: Benzenecarboxylic acid; Benzeneformic acid; Benzenemethonic acid; Carboxybenzene; Oracylic acid; phenyl carboxylic acid; Phenylformic acid
• Molecular Formula: C₇H₆O₂
• Molecular Weight: 122.12
• CAS Registry Number: 65-85-0
• EC Number: 200-618-2
• FEMA: 2131
• SMILES: C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)O

Properties

• Density: 1.08
• Melting point: 121-123 °C
• Boiling point: 249 °C
• Flash point: 121 °C
• Water solubility: Slightly soluble. 0.34 g/100 mL

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS08;GHS05 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H318-H319-H335-H372
• Safety Statements: P260-P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P317-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Respiratory sensitization	Resp. Sens.	1	H334
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400

• Transport Information: UN 9094

Discovery and Applications

Benzoic acid, with the chemical formula C₆H₅COOH, is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid that has been known and utilized for over a century. It is characterized by its carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a benzene ring, making it an essential compound in both industrial and laboratory applications.

The discovery of benzoic acid dates back to the late 19th century. It was first isolated by the German chemist Hermann Kolbe in 1861, who obtained it from the distillation of benzoic resins. These resins, which are derived from various plants, contain benzoic acid as a major component. The compound was recognized for its distinct crystalline structure and acidic properties, which led to its further study and utilization.

Benzoic acid has a wide range of applications in various fields. In the chemical industry, it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of numerous derivatives, including benzoates, which are used as preservatives and flavoring agents. For example, sodium benzoate, the sodium salt of benzoic acid, is commonly used as a food preservative due to its ability to inhibit microbial growth. This property makes benzoic acid valuable in the food and beverage industry, where it helps extend the shelf life of products.

In the pharmaceutical industry, benzoic acid is used as a starting material for the synthesis of various medicinal compounds. It is involved in the preparation of benzoyl peroxide, which is widely used in acne treatments due to its antibacterial properties. Additionally, benzoic acid derivatives are utilized in the development of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications.

Benzoic acid also finds applications in the production of dyes and perfumes. Its derivatives are used as intermediates in the synthesis of azo dyes, which are important in the textile industry for coloring fabrics. In the fragrance industry, benzoic acid is used to produce esters that contribute to the aroma of perfumes and personal care products.

Overall, benzoic acid's versatility and its role as a precursor in the synthesis of various compounds make it a fundamental chemical in both industrial and laboratory settings.

References

1970. The oxidative degradation of benzoate and catechol by Klebsiella aerogenes (Aerobacter aerogenes). Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 36(1).
DOI: 10.1007/bf02069018

1984. Determination of Benzoic Acid in Air. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, 45(10).
DOI: 10.1080/15298668491400502

1968. Microchemical investigation of medicinal plants. II. The antitubercular activity of some plant acids and their hydrazides. Microchimica Acta, 56(1).
DOI: 10.1007/bf01216124