| Formula / Notation | C7H6O3 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 69-72-7 |
| Molecular Weight | 138.12 |
| Melting Point | 315 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | 211 °C at 2.00E+01 mm Hg |
| Density | 1.44 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | 2240 mg/L (at 25 °C) |
| Appearance | Salicylic acid is an odorless white to light tan solid. Sinks and mixes slowly with water. (USCG, 1999) |
| Also Known As | 2-hydroxybenzoic acid; 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid; 69-72-7; o-hydroxybenzoic acid; 2-Carboxyphenol; o-Carboxyphenol; Retarder W; Rutranex; Salonil; Keralyt |
| Category | Acids |
What is Salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a monohydroxybenzoic acid that is benzoic acid with a hydroxy group at the ortho position. It is obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves. It has a role as an antiinfective agent, an antifungal agent, a plant hormone, a keratolytic drug, an EC 1.11.1.11 (L-ascorbate peroxidase) inhibitor, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a salicylate.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: 2-hydroxybenzoic acid
Other Names / Synonyms: 2-hydroxybenzoic acid; 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid; 69-72-7; o-hydroxybenzoic acid; 2-Carboxyphenol; o-Carboxyphenol; Retarder W; Rutranex; Salonil; Keralyt
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 315 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | 211 °C at 2.00E+01 mm Hg |
| Density | 1.44 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 138.12 |
| Solubility | 2240 mg/L (at 25 °C) |
| Appearance | Salicylic acid is an odorless white to light tan solid. Sinks and mixes slowly with water. (USCG, 1999) |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Salicylic acid is a monohydroxybenzoic acid that is benzoic acid with a hydroxy group at the ortho position. It is obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves. It has a role as an antiinfective agent, an antifungal agent, a plant hormone, a keratolytic drug, an EC 1.11.1.11 (L-ascorbate peroxidase) inhibitor, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a salicylate.
Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.
Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Salicylic acid is: C7H6O3