Description
Benzoic acid is a white (or colorless) solid with the formula C6H5CO2H. It is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. Salts of benzoic acid are used as food preservatives. Benzoic acid is an important precursor for the industrial synthesis of many other organic substances. The salts and esters of benzoic acid are known as benzoates.
Synonyms
Benzenemethanoic acid
Canonical SMILES
C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)O
InChI
InChI=1S/C7H6O2/c8-7(9)6-4-2-1-3-5-6/h1-5H,(H,8,9)
InChI Key
WPYMKLBDIGXBTP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Boiling Point
249 °C (lit.)
Melting Point
121-125 °C (lit.)
Appearance
White to yellow-beige to orange powder