P

Phenylacetic acid

IUPAC: 2-phenylacetic acid

C8H8O2 Acids CAS 103-82-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC8H8O2
CAS Number103-82-2
Molecular Weight136.15
Melting Point76.7 °C
Boiling Point265.5 deg at 760 mm Hg
Density1.091 at 77 °C/4 °C
SolubilityIn water, 1.73X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C
AppearanceShiny white solid with a floral odor; [Hawley] White crystalline solid; [MSDSonline]
Also Known As2-phenylacetic acid; 2-Phenylacetic acid; Benzeneacetic acid; 103-82-2; Phenylethanoic acid; alpha-Toluic acid; Acetic acid, phenyl-; Benzenacetic acid; Phenyllacetic acid; omega-Phenylacetic acid
CategoryAcids

What is Phenylacetic acid?

Phenylacetic acid is a monocarboxylic acid that is toluene in which one of the hydrogens of the methyl group has been replaced by a carboxy group. It has a role as an auxin, a toxin, a plant growth retardant, an allergen, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Aspergillus metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an EC 6.4.1.1 (pyruvate carboxylase) inhibitor. It is a member of benzenes, a monocarboxylic acid and a member of phenylacetic acids. It is functionally related to an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a phenylacetate.

Formula & Notation

C8H8O2

IUPAC Name: 2-phenylacetic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: 2-phenylacetic acid; 2-Phenylacetic acid; Benzeneacetic acid; 103-82-2; Phenylethanoic acid; alpha-Toluic acid; Acetic acid, phenyl-; Benzenacetic acid; Phenyllacetic acid; omega-Phenylacetic acid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Shiny white solid with a floral odor; [Hawley] White crystalline solid; [MSDSonline]. Molecular formula: C8H8O2. Molecular weight: 136.15 g/mol. Boiling point: 265.5 deg at 760 mm Hg. Melting point: 76.7 °C. Density: 1.091 at 77 °C/4 °C. Solubility: In water, 1.73X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C. Vapor pressure: 0.0038 [mmHg]. LogP: 1.4.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point76.7 °C
Boiling Point265.5 deg at 760 mm Hg
Density1.091 at 77 °C/4 °C
Molecular Weight136.15
SolubilityIn water, 1.73X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C
AppearanceShiny white solid with a floral odor; [Hawley] White crystalline solid; [MSDSonline]

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 Phenylacetic acid
Formula C8H8O2
CAS Number 103-82-2
Molecular Weight 136.15
Category Acids
Synonyms 2-phenylacetic acid; 2-Phenylacetic acid; Benzeneacetic acid; 103-82-2; Phenylethanoic acid; alpha-Toluic acid; Acetic acid, phenyl-; Benzenacetic acid; Phenyllacetic acid; omega-Phenylacetic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

Phenylacetic acid is a monocarboxylic acid that is toluene in which one of the hydrogens of the methyl group has been replaced by a carboxy group. It has a role as an auxin, a toxin, a plant growth retardant, an allergen, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Aspergillus metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an EC 6.4.1.1 (pyruvate carboxylase) inhibitor. It is a member of benzenes, a monocarboxylic acid and a member of phenylacetic acids. It is functionally related to an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a phenylacetate.

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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.