Uses of Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid is an organic compound in which a carboxyl group is attached to a benzene ring. It was first described in the 16th century and its name was derived from “gum benzoin”. Benzoic acid was first prepared from coal tar and it belongs to the family of carboxylic acid. The chemical formula of benzoic acid is C₇H₆O₂ or C₆H₅COOH. It has a crystalline aromatic structure. Benzoic acid contains 15 atoms out of which it has 7 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen, and 2 oxygen atoms. 

Keywords: Benzoic Acid, Chemical Formula, Uses, Benzene, Carboxylic Acid

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Uses of Benzoic Acid

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Benzoic acid is commonly used as a disinfectant in industries, as a preservative in food products, or as a pH adjuster. Following are some common uses of Benzoic acid are discussed below: 

• Used in Food
• Used in Medicine
• Used in Pharmacy
• Used for Skin
• Other Uses

1. Used in Food

• Benzoic acid is naturally found in some food such as ripe cloves, berries, and cinnamon.
• Benzoic acid is also used for the preservation of food like salad dressings, soft drinks, pickles, and fruit juices.
• Benzoic acid is used in various food items to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast.

2. Used in Medicine

• Benzoic acid helps in preventing various infections that are caused by dangerous bacteria. 
• It helps in treating inflammation and skin irritation that is caused by burns, insect bites, and fungal infections.

3. Used in Pharmacy

• Benzoic acid is used as a preservative drug in the pharmaceutical industry.
• It is used in various personal care products such as baby products, skin products, hair and nail products, soap and bathing products, detergents, etc.
• Benzoic acid, having served antifungal antimicrobial functions, is made available in capsule form.

4. Used for Skin

• Benzoic acid acts as an anti-aging product when applied to the skin.
• Benzoic acid is also used in a variety of cosmetic products due to its moisturizing and soothing properties. 
• A form of benzoic acid that is known as veratric acid has properties of high concentrative antioxidants in them that help to neutralize all the free radicals appearing in our surrounding environment.

5. Other Uses

• Benzoic acid is used in the production of phenol.
• It is also used in the production of dyes, toothpaste, insect repellents, etc.
• Some specific esters of benzoic acid are used as a plasticizer.
• Benzoic acid is also used in the production of fragrances due to its pH adjuster property.
• Sodium benzoate is a sodium salt of benzoic acid. Is used to control the glycerine level in blood.

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Properties of Benzoic Acid

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Following are the properties of benzoic acid: 

• Benzoic acid is colorless and crystalline in nature.
• It has a pleasant odor and is easily soluble in water. 
• The chemical formula of benzoic acid is C₇H₆O₂ or C₆H₅COOH.
• The molecular mass of benzoic acid is 122.12g/mol.
• The melting point of benzoic acid is 395K and the boiling point is 523K.
• The density of benzoic acid is 1.27 g/cm³.
• The crystal structure of benzoic acid is monoclinic.

Structure of Benzoic acid

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Things to Remember

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• Benzoic acid is colorless, aromatic, and crystalline in nature.
• The chemical formula of benzoic acid is C₇H₆O₂ or C₆H₅COOH.
• It belongs to the family of carboxylic acid.
• The solubility of benzoic acid in water increases with an increase in temperature.
• Benzoic acid is mainly used in food, medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industries, etc.

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