Benzoic Acid - Overview, Structure, Preparation, Properties & Uses, FAQs

Benzoic acid is an organic compound that is available in the daily life of our food and cosmetic products. It is used in many products such as pickles, jams, lipsticks, wash creams, etc. This preservative. In addition, for many organic combination syntheses, it is an essential precursor.

What is Benzoic acid?

The organic compound is benzoic acid with C₆H₅COOH chemical benzoic acid formula. It consists of a benzene ring carboxylic group. Thus the aromatic carboxylic acid of benzoic acid is seen. The compound exists in normal conditions as a colorless crystalline solid. This term refers to C₆H₅COOH esters and salts.

Also check-

• NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Chemistry Solutions
• NCERT Exemplar Class 12th Chemistry Solutions
• NCERT Exemplar Solutions for All Subjects

Benzoic acid structure :

The C₇H₆O₂ benzoic acid empirical formula has a C₆H₅COOH molecular formula. Benzene carboxylic acid is otherwise known. There are 7 carbon atoms, 2 oxygen atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms. It consists of a six-carbon ring with alternate single and double bands, as well as the group of –COOH attached to the ring that makes it benzoic acid.

Benzoic acid formual: C₆H₅COOH

The benzoic acid structure is given below:

Preparation of benzoic acid

Here we convert Phenol to benzoic acid.

First we convert phenol to benzene using zinc dust and then we convert benzene to Tolune using the CH₃Cl+AlCl₃, here aluminum trichloride acts as lewis acid catalyst.

NCERT Chemistry Notes :

• NCERT notes Class 11 Chemistry
• NCERT notes Class 12 Chemistry
• NCERT Notes For All Subjects

Then Toluene is converted into benzoic acid by oxidation.

Resonating structure of benzoic acid or Resonance structure of benzoic acid(Resonating structure of benzaldehyde)

Physical properties of benzoic acid

1. In its solid state of crystalline nature, benzoic acid reaction has an uncolored appearance.
   It is nonclinical in its crystal structure.
2. This compound is slightly pleasant because of the aromatic ring.
3. This compound's density decreases to 1,075 grammes per cubic centimeter at a temperature of 130^oC.
4. Benzoic acid melting point of benzoic acid is 122.3⁰C.
5. Benzoic acid molar mass - 122.12 g/mol.

Chemical properties of benzoic acid

1. The solubility is 3.44 g/L and 56.31 g/l, respectively, at a temperature range of 25^oC and 100^oC.

2. Benzene, carbon tetrachloride, acetone and alcohol are soluble.

3. The benzoic acid p^ka dissociation constant is 4.2.

4. The carboxyl group or even the Aromatic Ring may experience its reactions.

Also read :

• NCERT notes Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 12 Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
• NCERT solutions for Class 12 Chemistry Chapter 12 Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
• NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Chemistry solutions Chapter 12 Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Uses of benzoic acid

It is used in an acidic medium, but it has lost preservation activity in an alkaline medium because it divides into ions in an alkaline medium.

• The use of benzoic acid as a preservative does not affect the odor or taste of food products.

• It delays the reproduction of microorganisms by preserving the quality.

• The benzoic acid sodium salt sodium benzoate reduces the blood level of glycine because it is an amide bond between the benzoate and glycine that is excreted by the urinary tract.

• Some benzoic acid esters act as plasticizers

• For many foodstuffs such as soda, barbecue sauces, pickle, and dressings which prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, benzoic acid and its sodium salt are used as food preservatives.

• Benzoic acid is used to treat skin irritation, sunburns, insect bites, fungal infections, etc.. This is used specifically in cosmetics.

• It is used as a pH adjuster in the preparation of fragrances.

• It is mostly used in acidic foods because even at very low pH it has more anti-food and antibacterial properties.

Also read -

• NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry
• NCERT Solutions for All Subjects