Product Description:
Benzoic acid is a white, crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water and widely used as a food preservative and in the manufacture of various chemicals.
Applications & Uses:
CAS#:
65-85-0
SYNONYM:
Benzenecarboxylic acid;Dracylic acid;Phenylcarboxylic acid
FORMULA:
C7H6O2
PRODUCT TYPE:
HAZARD:
Irritant
CATEGORIES:
Acid
,
Intermediates
,
Organic Intermediate
,
Raw Material
,
Food Chemicals
Technical Specifications
Appearance :
White crystalline solid
Boiling Point, °C :
249
Density, g/cm3 :
1.32
Flash Point, °C :
121
Melting point, °C :
122
Molecular weight, g/mol :
122.12
Odor :
Weak, characteristic
Benzoic acid is a versatile, organic compound characterized by its white, crystalline appearance and simple aromatic carboxylic acid composition. It is naturally found in a variety of plants and serves as a key precursor in the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites. As a widely utilized preservative and antibacterial agent, benzoic acid plays a critical role in the food and beverage industry, effectively extending the shelf life of products by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. Its mild antifungal properties make it an essential component in personal care products such as cosmetics and skincare formulations. Beyond its preservation capabilities, benzoic acid is a crucial building block in the synthesis of numerous industrial chemicals, including benzoyl chloride and phenol, and serves as an intermediate in the production of plasticizers, resins, and dyes. Its efficacy in promoting and stabilizing products, combined with its functionality across multiple sectors, underscores its importance as a fundamental chemical in diverse applications.