B

Benzoic acid

IUPAC: benzoic acid

C7H6O2 Acids CAS 65-85-0
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC7H6O2
CAS Number65-85-0
Molecular Weight122.12
Melting Point252.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point480 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.316 at 82.4 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzoic acid appears as a white crystalline solid. Slightly soluble in water. The primary hazard is the potential for environmental damage if released. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spre...
Also Known As65-85-0; Dracylic acid; benzenecarboxylic acid; Benzeneformic acid; Carboxybenzene; phenylformic acid; Benzenemethanoic acid; Phenylcarboxylic acid; Retardex; Retarder BA
CategoryAcids

What is Benzoic acid?

Benzoic acid is a compound comprising a benzene ring core carrying a carboxylic acid substituent. It has a role as an EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.1.3 (triacylglycerol lipase) inhibitor, an antimicrobial food preservative, a plant metabolite, a human xenobiotic metabolite, an algal metabolite and a drug allergen. It is a conjugate acid of a benzoate.

Formula & Notation

C7H6O2

IUPAC Name: benzoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: 65-85-0; Dracylic acid; benzenecarboxylic acid; Benzeneformic acid; Carboxybenzene; phenylformic acid; Benzenemethanoic acid; Phenylcarboxylic acid; Retardex; Retarder BA

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Benzoic acid appears as a white crystalline solid. Slightly soluble in water. The primary hazard is the potential for environmental damage if released. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spre.... Molecular formula: C7H6O2. Molecular weight: 122.12 g/mol. Boiling point: 480 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 252.3 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.316 at 82.4 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 205 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 1.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point252.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point480 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.316 at 82.4 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight122.12
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceBenzoic acid appears as a white crystalline solid. Slightly soluble in water. The primary hazard is the potential for environmental damage if released. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spre...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Benzoic acid
Formula C7H6O2
CAS Number 65-85-0
Molecular Weight 122.12
Category Acids
Synonyms 65-85-0; Dracylic acid; benzenecarboxylic acid; Benzeneformic acid; Carboxybenzene; phenylformic acid; Benzenemethanoic acid; Phenylcarboxylic acid; Retardex; Retarder BA

Frequently Asked Questions

Benzoic acid is a compound comprising a benzene ring core carrying a carboxylic acid substituent. It has a role as an EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, an EC 3.1.1.3 (triacylglycerol lipase) inhibitor, an antimicrobial food preservative, a plant metabolite, a human xenobiotic metabolite, an algal metabolite and a drug allergen. It is a conjugate acid of a benzoate.

More "B" Terms

View all "B" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.