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<div style="float:right;text-align:center;">[[image:benzoic_acid.png]]<br>''Structural formula''</div>
<div style="float:right;text-align:center;">[[image:benzoic_acid.png]]<br>''Structural formula''</div>


'''Benzoic acid''', C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>C(O)OH, is an [[aromatic compound|aromatic]] [[carboxylic acid]]. Benzoic acid is used as a food [[preservative]] and occurs naturally in certain plants, as for example [[gum benzoin]], which is a major component of the type of church [[incense]] used in [[Russia]].
'''Benzoic acid''', C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>C(O)OH, is an [[aromatic compound|aromatic]] [[carboxylic acid]]. Benzoic acid is used as a food [[preservative]] and occurs naturally in certain plants. For example, it occurs in [[gum benzoin]], which is a major component of the type of church [[incense]] used in [[Russia]].


The aromatic ring is similar to that of [[benzene]].
The aromatic ring is similar to that of [[benzene]].

Revision as of 00:48, 24 July 2004


Structural formula

Benzoic acid, C6H5C(O)OH, is an aromatic carboxylic acid. Benzoic acid is used as a food preservative and occurs naturally in certain plants. For example, it occurs in gum benzoin, which is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia.

The aromatic ring is similar to that of benzene.

Among benzoic acid's derivatives are Salicylic acid and 2-O-acetylsalicyclic acid, also known as aspirin.

As a food additive, it is, in Europe, known as E210 for the pure compound, or as E211, E212, or E213 for its salts.

Physical Properties:

Molecular Weight: 122.12
Boiling Point: 249ºC (480ºF)
Melting Point: 122ºC (252ºF)

Solubility at 20°C = 0.28 g per 100 cm3
Solubility at 95°C = 6.9 g per 100 cm3


See also: Benzone