High-Purity Solvents, Polyurethane (PU) and Resin

Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid (CAS: 65-85-0), the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid, is a foundational organic compound characterized by a carboxyl group attached directly to a benzene ring. Physically appearing as a white, crystalline solid with a faint, pleasant odor, it occurs naturally in many plants, particularly in berries, prunes, and gum benzoin. Industrially, it is produced primarily through the liquid-phase partial oxidation of toluene with molecular oxygen, catalyzed by cobalt or manganese naphthenates.

As a versatile chemical intermediate, benzoic acid serves as a vital precursor for the synthesis of plasticizers, alkyd resins, and benzoyl chloride. It is globally recognized for its potent antimicrobial properties, specifically targeting yeasts and molds in acidic environments. Because of its relatively low toxicity and efficient metabolic clearance in humans (via hippuric acid excretion), it is widely utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Its chemical stability and predictable reactivity make it an indispensable reagent in high-volume industrial chemistry and specialized organic synthesis.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Potent Antimicrobial Activity: Exhibits exceptional efficacy against yeasts, molds, and several bacteria by inhibiting cellular glucose uptake and enzymatic activity.
Regulatory Acceptance: Classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA and approved for use as a food additive (E210) globally.
Cost-Effective Synthesis: Derived from toluene, making it a highly economical raw material for large-scale industrial manufacturing.
Chemical Versatility: Features a reactive carboxyl group and an aromatic ring, allowing for diverse modifications including esterification, salt formation, and electrophilic substitution.
High Purity Grades: Available in technical, pharmaceutical (USP/BP), and food grades to meet specific industry standards for contaminants and heavy metals.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Formula: C₇H₆O₂ (or C₆H₅COOH).
Molar Mass: 122.12 g/mol.
Melting Point: 122.4 °C (252.3 °F); Boiling Point: 249.2 °C (480.6 °F).
Acidity (pKa): 4.20, making it a moderately strong organic acid; its antimicrobial activity is highest at pH levels below this value.
Solubility: Sparingly soluble in cold water (3.4 g/L at 25 °C), but significantly more soluble in hot water, ethanol, diethyl ether, and benzene.
Vapor Pressure: 0.001 hPa at 20 °C, though it undergoes sublimation above 100 °C.
Chemical Stability: Highly stable under standard storage conditions; avoids vigorous reactions except when in contact with strong oxidizers or bases.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Food and Beverage Preservation: Primarily used as its salt (sodium benzoate) to preserve acidic foods, carbonated drinks, fruit juices, and pickles.
Chemical Intermediates: Essential for producing plasticizers (e.g., glycol benzoates), phenol, caprolactam, and benzoyl chloride.
Alkyd Resins: Acts as a chain terminator in the production of alkyd resins to improve gloss, hardness, and chemical resistance in coatings.
Pharmaceuticals: Utilized in antifungal ointments (e.g., Whitfield’s ointment) and as an excipient for tableting and antimicrobial preservation.
Personal Care: Employed in cosmetics, toothpastes, and mouthwashes to prevent microbial spoilage and adjust pH levels.
Animal Feed: Used as a preservative and acidifier to improve gut health and feed efficiency in livestock.